Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ²³  So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias.

 ²⁴  And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen

 ²⁵  to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”

 ²⁶  And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias;  and he was added to the eleven apostles.”  Acts 1:21-26. 

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Not much is mentioned about Matthias in Scripture about Matthias.  When I did a BibleGateway keyword search, his name only appeared in this Scripture for today.

Yet, this Scripture informs us that Matthias accompanied Jesus and the rest of the apostles the whole time “beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He (Jesus) was taken up from us”.  That was only about three years, but it probably seemed like a lifetime for Matthias.

We can imagine Matthias quietly and patiently waiting in the shadows.  We can imagine Matthias not only witnessing Jesus but also witnessing Judas.  We can imagine that Matthias may have been skeptical of Judas and may have wondered why Judas was chosen to be one of the twelve disciples rather than himself. 

Most of us have been like Matthias at times of our lives.  We may witness and work in the shadows without honor or even recognition, while others, less qualified and less sincere than us (maybe they are even evil), seem to prosper and get all the honor and recognition.  We may fret.  We may envy.  

Psalm Chapter 37 may apply to Judas and Matthias.  Psalm Chapter 37 may apply to you.  Here is the link to the full chapter followed by a quote of the first 11 verses – Click here: Psalm 37 – Passage Lookup – New American Standard Bible – BibleGateway.com

“¹  Do not fret because of evildoers,
         Be not envious toward wrongdoers.
    ²  For they will wither quickly like the grass
         And fade like the green herb.
    ³  Trust in the LORD and do good;
         Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
    ⁴  Delight yourself in the LORD;
         And He will give you the desires of your heart.
    ⁵  Commit your way to the LORD,
         Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
    ⁶  He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
         And your judgment as the noonday.
    ⁷  Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him;
         Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
         Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
    ⁸  Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
         Do not fret;  it leads only to evildoing.
    ⁹  For evildoers will be cut off,
         But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.
    ¹⁰  Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more;
         And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.
    ¹¹  But the humble will inherit the land
         And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.”  Psalm 37:1-11.