Who Was Matthias?

"And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:26).

Every February 24 we remember St. Matthias.  This week and next we'll answer the question,

Who Was Matthias and What Can We Learn from Him?

 

The man who replaced Judas.  What's fun to watch in Acts 1 is that following the ascension of Jesus the apostles start doing things "on their own."  Peter preaches his first sermon - a warm-up for his Pentecost sermon in Acts 2.  He talks about the need to replace Judas who took his own life shortly after his betrayal.  Two candidates are put forward, and the lot falls on Matthias.

 

The man who made twelve.  The death of Judas left eleven apostles.  There seems to be a special significance behind having twelve.  It has to do with the fact that in the Old Testament Israel had twelve tribes.  The new Israel, the church, likewise has twelve apostles.  Matthias made it twelve again.

 

The man who did not appoint himself.  We can learn "a lot" from this.  When they prayed, "Lord, show which one of these two You have chosen" (Acts 1:24), they were addressing none other than the Lord Jesus.  And so Jesus chose Matthias, just as He chose the other eleven.  So not one of the apostles appointed himself.  To this day a pastor does not appoint himself but is called by God through the congregation.  We can all hear and apply these words of Jesus: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit" (John 15:16).

 

Next week, five more!

Luther's Last

"I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children" (Matt. 11:25).

"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).

On February 15, 1546, Martin Luther preached his final sermon.  The basis was Matthew 11:25-30.  He ended the sermon this way:

"Lo, this means that the wise of this world are rejected, that we may learn not to think ourselves wise and to put away from our eyes all great personages, indeed, to shut our eyes altogether, and cling only to Christ's Word and come to Him, as He so lovingly invites us to do, and say: 'Thou alone art my beloved Lord and Master, I am Thy disciple.'  This and much more might be said concerning this Gospel, but I am too weak and we shall let it go at that."

He died on February 18.  Among his last words: "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46).

Confessions of a Lenten Heart

"I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and You forgave the iniquity of my sin" (Ps. 32:5).

Ash Wednesday brings with it a renewed emphasis on confession, and that spirit endures through all of Lent.

It may be helpful to distinguish three types of confession toward God: corporate, individual, and personal.  I'll say just a word about each one.

Corporate - Most Lutheran Divine Services begin with corporate confession.  The congregation makes confession together as one body.  But at the same time, members have in mind and heart their own individual sins.  Corporate confession is always followed by corporate absolution, that is, the Word of forgiveness spoken by the pastor to all and to each.

Individual - This confession takes place in private between one person and the pastor.  It usually makes mention of one or more sins that are troubling the person.  It needn't take more than several minutes.  It is sealed in holy confidentiality.  It gives great spiritual relief and refreshment!  Ask your pastor to say more about individual confession and absolution, including an easy-to-use order the two of you may follow.

Personal - Perhaps also called "daily confession," this type goes on at all times in the Christian heart.  You may use the Lord's Prayer (Fifth Petition), other prayers, psalms, or hymns.  This is where I teach my congregation to practice saying the Fourteen Words:

"God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

 

"Take heart, child, your sins are forgiven."

 

Seven and seven, these fourteen words represent a deep form of personal confession and absolution.  They come from Luke 18:13 and Matthew 9:2.

 

The Lord of Lent help, bless, and strengthen us through the gift of confession and absolution!

Spiritual Day-Timer

"And there was evening and there was morning, one day" (Gen. 1:5).

"...faith, hope, and love" (1 Cor. 13:13).

As a Christian, you believe, hope, and love at the same time and all of the time.

Yet one idea would be to place a special emphasis on faith in the evening, on hope in the morning, and then on love throughout the day.

Faith in the evening - Another word for "faith" is "rest."  As you rest your body after a day's work, learn to rest your soul and mind in God especially in the evening.  Enjoy a time of devotion and prayer, quiet and peace.  Remember the Cross especially in the evening.  Turn all matters over to God.  Luther had the habit of going to the window in the evening and asking God, "Is it my world or Yours?  Is it my church or Yours?  If they are Yours, please take care of them.  I'm tired and going to bed.  Good night, my God."

Hope in the morning - At the rising of the sun remember the rising of the Son.  "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead" (2 Tim. 2:8) - especially in the morning.  Remember your Baptism.  Sing in your heart Psalm 118:24: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"  You may have a lot to do.  You may have a test at school.  You may be undergoing surgery.  But the risen Lord will help you.  He will use you.  For His blessing is both upon the day and upon you!

Love throughout the day - You are rested.  You are hopeful.  You are ready to love, serve, and encourage others throughout the day.  It could be your spouse, children, friend, client, stranger, etc.  Strive not to be recognized but to recognize the needs of others.  Work your way through the day in love with help from above, knowing that the evening will bring you rest.