Acts 1:15-26 - Questions for Reflection & Prayer

"Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit ... Now the works of the flesh are obvious:  ... jealousy, anger, quarrels, ... By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." - Galatians, chapter 5

This week we looked at the early Church's decision to replace Judas with another disciple/apostle.  The language used to describe Judas' death and character is very severe and negative.

On the other hand, what little we know about the two men nominated to replace Judas is very positive.  Joseph Barsabbas was regarded for his great faith.  His Hebrew name Barsabbas means "son of Sabbath," perhaps because his life demonstrated the qualities of living close to God:  humility, peace, gentleness, and a simple, kind manner.  In other words, the fruits of the Spirit.

The other man, the one who is ultimately chosen by God, also has a revealing name.  Matthias in Hebrew means "gift of God."

In other words, Luke is presenting with two stark choices - playing up the differences:

• Judas whose life is dominated by self-interest and self-concern.  
• Joseph Barsabbas/Matthias whose lives reflect a willingness to let God work in and through them to glorify God and bless others

Questions for reflection:  

When you look at your life, which would you say your life has been reflecting recently?
Life or death?  Self-absorption or a love for God/others?

Think about someone in your life that has been a "Matthias" - a "gift of God".  What do you think made this person this way?  Is there something in their example you want to emulate?

Judas' death is said to have made the land "desolate," a visual image of how selfish living can make us toxic to others.  In his book Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality, Peter Scazzero notes that we can often see signs of our life moving in this direction.  Do you see yourself giving into any of these traits?

• Say one thing to people's faces and then another behind their back
• Make promises you have no intention of keeping
• Blame
• Attack
• Break relationship with someone close to you in order to avoid a hard situation or to deal with your own fears
• Find yourself mentally keeping score of your money or status among others
• Are more focused on your own welfare/security than the welfare of those around you

It is so key to note that all of us are prone to these sorts of thoughts/attitudes.  If we see any of these traits creeping up, this can be a good place to start in our prayer as we invite God to help us where selfishness or fear or insecurities have taken root.

It is also key to note that we do not overcome our tendency to be selfish by ourselves.

What made the disciples loving, generous, joyful and patient individuals was there willingness to stop trying to be God and to let God get to work in their lives.  This means taking time daily for silence, stillness and prayer.

In his own life, Pete Scazzero found himself being frustrated, tired, and (at least inwardly) angry.  He recognized something had to change.  As he immersed himself around Christians who were calm, level-headed, and love-filled he began to realize there was a common thread in all of their lives.  

The fruits of the Spirit reside in individuals who are able to slow down regularly and to let God get to work.  The early disciples practiced this rhythm - spending time daily in prayer/worship and making sure to honor the Sabbath individually and as a community.

What is your plan for spending time with God?

Would other people say that you take one day a week off for personal refreshment, spending time with loved ones, and being recharged in God's presence?

Do you currently have any time in your daily schedule where you slow down or where you can sit in stillness for five minutes?

Pastor Wes mentioned three upcoming opportunities to try this out.

What excites you about these opportunities?

What scares you?

Do you sense God leading you to say "yes" to any of these opportunities?

Closing Prayer:

O God, I thank you for your grace and mercy in my life.  If it were not for you, I would not even be aware of you or my need fr your transforming work deep beneath the surface of my life.  Lord, give me the courage to be honest and to allow the Holy Spirit's power to invade all of who I am below the surface of my iceberg so that Jesus might be formed in me.  Lord, help me to grasp how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is for me personally.