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It’s interesting to consider.
Matthias could have never become an apostle IF he had decided to act along the lines of how some people act today if they’re not chosen to be a leader when they think they should be…
??? Elder, what are you talking about?
See, according to chapter 1 of the Book of Acts, Matthias and Joseph Barsabas were men who were with Jesus from the “beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us.” Both these men were there with Jesus when, according to Luke 6, He chose only 12 apostles from the multitude of disciples. Both Barsabas and Matthias could have said, “Well I’ve been with Him from the beginning too. Why wasn’t I chosen? Why only 12 instead of 15 or 20?” Or they could have both walked away disgusted and feeling that their relationship with Jesus didn’t compare to the chosen few. Maybe they could have caused a revolt against Jesus and began their own ministry of preaching, feeling like they had gleaned enough from Jesus to go out on their own.
Nevertheless, even though Jesus DIDN’T choose either one of them as an apostle then, they, along with others stood and walked faithfully with Him as a disciple.
Because of that faithfulness, both were singled out to be chosen as candidates for “let another take [Judas’] office”. They didn’t say, “Well, I should have been one all along.” or refuse the honor of leadership out of a twisted sense of revenge. They both submitted to the possibility of elevation and greater servanthood. Eventually the elevation came for Matthias not because of his leadership abilities or having anything over Barsabas but purely by the casting of lots.
God’s timing is EVERYTHING. What if Jesus had chosen Matthias instead of Judas Iscariot? Would the foul spirit and horrible prophecy have fallen on him instead? Would Matthias have then been the traitor and thief?
Sometimes God will hide you and protect you from the role of leadership temporarily to shield you from the temptation of power and greed.
There sometimes must be a fulfillment of certain prophecies and circumstances before you can step into the role of leadership. Because with that elevation comes great responsibility, action and sacrifice. We know through historical documents and oral history that every apostle, including Matthias suffered great persecution and horrific deaths for the sake of spreading Jesus’ Gospel. Maybe his emergence as Apostle Matthias AFTER Jesus’ ascension was timed so that Matthias would be able to stand firm on what he saw and experienced during his time with the 120 in the upper room.
Don’t be so quick to walk away just because you arrogantly think leaders don’t see you as the anointed leader that you are. Remain faithful to the assignment and discipleship until God Himself is ready to raise you up.
What I love about Jesus is this: I don’t care how Big, Great and Mighty He is, He always makes sure to let us know He has no favorites. Even after He named the original 12, in Luke 6:17 it says “And He came down with them (the 12) and stood on A LEVEL PLACE with a crowd of His disciples…” Jesus shared His stage with the apostles, disciples and crowd alike. He didn’t care about titles, then or now. He cares about souls. Be like Jesus. Realize that no matter your position or title, He is looking for SERVANTHOOD and FAITHFULNESS to His call.
