So, they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:23-26, NIV)
At the PGA Championship in 1991 at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Indiana, 25-year-old Tour rookie John Daly was the ninth alternate for the tournament.
On the Wednesday before play was to begin, he was at home in Memphis when he received a call from tournament officials informing him that Nick Price had withdrawn from the event. If Daly could make it to Crooked Stick, he could play in the tournament.
We know what happened next. Without even playing a practice round, Daly won his first major and PGA Tour event by three strokes. Daly was ready to play when he got the call.
After Jesus’ ascension, the apostles returned to Jerusalem to fill the vacancy created by Judas’ suicide. Peter, relying on Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8, indicated to the disciples that, in choosing the new apostle, they were to pick someone who had been with Jesus the entire time—from his baptism by John the Baptist up to his death, resurrection, and ascension. It was important that the new member be a witness to Jesus’ resurrection. (Acts 1:21-22)
Matthias, whose name means “gift of God,” was chosen as the twelfth apostle. Little is known about him, but most scholars agree that he was one of the 70 or 72 men sent out by Jesus, as described in Luke 10.
After Matthias’ selection, we never hear another word about him directly in Scripture. He quietly went about his ministry without drawing much attention to himself.
Before being martyred, Matthias was an integral leader in the first-century church and played a significant role in spreading the gospel throughout the world. He selflessly served Jesus and performed his duties with great dedication and distinction.
Among the things we can learn from Matthias’ story is that God can call us to serve him at any moment in our lives. We are never too old or too young to share God’s love with others or to work to expand his Kingdom here on earth.
While Matthias was not in the “inner circle” of the twelve apostles during Jesus’ three-year earthly ministry, he nevertheless was an ardent follower of Jesus. He was never “on stage,” but he was waiting in the wings and ready to serve when called.
If you are like me, I am sure there are times when you have felt forgotten, underappreciated, or overlooked in your efforts to spread the gospel.
In those times, we need only pause to think about how Matthias patiently waited and waited—out of the spotlight and without any recognition—to be called to a higher duty to serve God.
Our efforts to serve others and to live out the gospel in our lives are not likely to be recorded anywhere or recounted a thousand years from now. Yet the positive impact we can make, just like Matthias, will have an untold effect on those around us. Let us make sure that we are ready to serve when we are called!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to remain ready and willing to serve you even when we are not in the spotlight.