May Another Take His Office

May Another Take His Office

Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

St. Matthias

Joseph Barsabbas (Justus)

So, they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles. Acts 1:23-26

“You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another." John 15:14-17

Piety

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do. We ask you, sisters and brothers, to respect those who are laboring among you and who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you, and to show esteem for them with special love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13

Study

Put me in, Coach!  I’m ready to play. Today!

Matthias takes his place in the Apostolic line-up card as perhaps the most critical pinch-hitter in all of Christendom. The Psalms called for a member of the community to replace Judas the Betrayer, and the lot fell to Matthias. However, while today might be a time to reflect upon being chosen, this feast day also reminds me of being the “other.”  The candidate NOT selected, the one passed over. Don’t you wonder what happened to Joseph (also called Barsabbas)?  Joseph Barsabbas is perhaps an underappreciated disciple of the Lord.

There are several Josephs in the Bible who are among those chosen. In the Hebrew Bible, we meet Joseph who is sold into slavery by his brothers only to reappear as a prince and heap forgiveness on those who rejected him. Joseph, the carpenter, is chosen to wed Mary. Joseph of Arimathea is determined to bring Jesus down from the cross for burial. Although not elected, Joseph Barsabbas as considered to be among the 72 whom Jesus sent out on a mission.

There is an informative article by Tony Mauck about the lessons we might draw from the experience of Joseph Barsabbas (Justus). He makes four key points:

Though Not Chosen, Chosen of God. Despite not being numbered among the 12, Joseph finds consolation being among the people of God, the chosen (Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 2:9). “Chosen of God” is a place of honor or blessing even if we are not chosen for other tasks in God’s kingdom or our deeds for the Lord go unnoticed by others.

All Are Not Apostles, Are They? Everyone could not serve as an apostle of our Lord (only 12 positions available!). In 1 Corinthians 12:29,30, Paul could well have said, “Remember Joseph Barsabbas.” Not everyone could be a tongue-speaker or miracle worker in Corinth, but everyone could practice the love of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:31-14:1). Everyone cannot serve as an elder. Everyone cannot effectively fill a pulpit. No room exists in the kingdom for rivalry, competition, envy, and jealousy (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice. The challenge to be selfless can be no greater than right here. I would like to think Joseph congratulated Matthias, patted him on the back, offered support and said something to this effect, “I’m glad for you, brother. May the Lord bless us both as we continue to strive for His kingdom and glory!” For many, the first part of Romans 12:15 is much harder to do than the second part.      

It’s okay if someone else gets the nod other than me. We should rejoice in how the Lord can use them. It’s okay if someone gets praised, noticed and I do not. Remember, the Lord always sees (Hebrews 6:10).

Excel Still More. Joseph Barsabbas was not rejected as a Christian. Who knows why God chose Matthias over him? Certainly, yield in the kingdom varies from disciple to disciple (Luke 8:15). Not everyone can be the five-talent man (Matthew 25:14-30). Joseph’s non-selection changed nothing. His mission was still to seek maximum yield for his Lord and King.

Action

Mauck concludes his article with some points about handling rejection.

How are you going to handle disappointment in the kingdom and in life for that matter? How will you respond to the selection of others above yourself? 1) Do not wallow in self-pity. 2) Determine to imitate Christ in your thinking and character to the best of your ability. 3) Cultivate your talent. Tap into all of your strength for service in the kingdom. Who knows what the Lord may yet be able to do through you? 4) Kill jealousy and rivalry in your heart. Rejoice with, acknowledge, appreciate and encourage those who excel among us (1 Thessalonians 5:11-18). 5) Stay focused on your aim and constant effort to fulfill the highest command (Mark 12:30,31).

These are all good points to consider when facing rejection or when living with denials that occurred in the past. After all, when we put down our ego, it is easier to follow the one commandment Jesus left that sums up all others. This I command you: love one another."