Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.... - Acts 1:26
Have you ever acted on a decision instead of waiting on the Lord to first give some guidance? I am convinced that this is exactly an error the eleven disciples made, as it is recorded in Acts, chapter one.
Jesus had given them explicit instructions to remain in Jerusalem and wait for Him to send that which the Lord had promised (the Holy Spirit). Yet, while they did indeed stay in Jerusalem, they didn't exactly wait. They decided to add a 12th "apostle" to replace Judas, the betrayer.
Who chose the original twelve disciples? Jesus did; therefore, who should have chosen the replacement for Judas? Was it also not Jesus? The decision to replace Judas was made by the remaining eleven before the Holy Spirit arrived. Shouldn't they at least have waited until after that event? While it doesn't appear that any damage was done by their decision to add Matthias to their number, I believe that later on Jesus chose His own twelfth apostle, and that apostle's name was Saul of Tarsus.
Wait on the Lord. While it may not always be easy (don't I know that is true), it is always right and best.
All men commend patience, although few are willing to practice it. - Thomas à Kempis
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