A Committed Servant
(Acts 1:12-14, 21-26)
(Acts 1:12-14, 21-26)
Commitment – the state of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.
Servant – a person who voluntarily dedicates himself to the service of another.
Jesus came to the world not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45a).
He demonstrated this to the disciples when He was here on earth. In Acts chapter one, Jesus ascends back to heaven and leaves the disciples with specific instructions. Not only do they have specific instructions, they also have the task of adding a disciple to serve with them in ministry. Matthias was chosen to serve with the disciples.
A Committed Servant Is In Place
Matthias, like the rest of the disciples, received the instruction from Jesus to return to Jerusalem and to wait. In verse 12, the disciples returned. Matthias was among those that returned. He followed the instructions that were given to him from Jesus. To grow in our service to God, we must walk in obedience. We must be in place.
A Committed Servant Prays
Verse 14 tells us that the disciples continued in prayer. It’s interesting to note that Jesus told the disciples to wait. Yet the disciples understood the connection with prayer and waiting on God’s promise. Matthias was among them as well and he continued in prayer.
A Committed Servant Is Prepared
In verse 15, Peter is talking to the other disciples and he says they must choose someone to serve in the ministry. Specifically, he mentioned the person would be chosen from those who had been following Jesus. Matthias didn’t have to get ready to serve in ministry, he was prepared. He was already walking with Jesus.
“The most important thing is that we continue to walk with God.” – Minister Donald Andrews
A Committed Servant Is Present
The disciples were praying, in verse 24, for wisdom in selecting the disciple to serve with them in ministry. Their prayer was for God to help them decide who was to be selected from among them to serve in ministry. Matthias was not a distant follower. He wasn’t unknown to the rest of the disciples. He was already with the disciples. He was already in their presence.
“The best ability is availability.” – Herm Edwards