May 28, 2006

The Short Nominating Committee Meeting

by Rev. Dr. Jim Carlson

Acts 1:15-26

Imagine new show: 12th Disciple. How to convince the judges – preaching, connection with audience?

Disciples left with open position after Judas died. Peter tells them to fill position.

Why fill Judas’ spot? 2 reasons:  

        1) Expectation of 12 apostles ruling 12 tribes of Israel upon Jesus’ second coming. (slide)

        2) 12 Apostles needed to testify to Jesus’ resurrection at Pentecost.

Story about Judas’ death, one of three traditions.

Peter said one of the people who participated in Jesus’ ministry and witnessed his resurrection should be chosen.

Two candidates: Joseph and Matthias. Nothing is known about their history; neither is mentioned after this point.

Apostles believed that God guided them to narrow the choices to these two. More specific guidance needed to make final cut.

Decided to cast lots.

Colored stones placed in container and shaken. First stone to fly out of container is God’s choice.

Lots used frequently in Bible to discern God’s will:

Determination of Guilt:

Lots used in Joshua 7 to determine which family had stolen items that God commanded to be left alone.

Lots used to determine which person’s sin, Jonathan or Saul’s caused God to withhold blessing on a battle with the Philistines.

Lots used on Day of Atonement – which goat sacrificed and which sent into wilderness.

Determination of Duties:

Lots used to determine duties of musicians in David’s court.

Lots used to determine temple service schedule for priests.

Lots not associated with witchcraft or sorcery. Seen as plausible way of seeking God’s direction.

Prayed ahead of time for God to make sure the lot fell to God’s choice. Lot fell to Matthias. Became 12th apostle.

In 21st century casting lots not viewed as viable method for choosing between candidates for important positions.

Perfectly comfortable flipping coin to see who kicks and who receives in super bowl. Not all that important unless you’re a gambler.

Imagine next presidential election. Both parties come up with candidate. 120 million voters in 2004 election. Can you imagine us forgoing election and simply flipping a coin to see who wins?

People these days don’t believe God acts in such direct ways, at the command of people who want guidance right when they ask.

Application of this passage is not to start using more coin flips to make decisions in church committee meetings and trust that God will make the right side come up.

What is it saying? Three things. Church needs to be proactive in making sure people are put in charge of ministries. Can’t just let things go.

Financial Secretary position in NY.

Second, process must be open, not rigged. Apostles wanted best person. No partiality shown. No complaints raised.

Third: regardless of selection process, (votes or lots) we must see God at work in process. God works in some way through people on committees.

Would be much easier or nominating committee to role dice and notify people that God has chosen them. Makes for short nominating committee. We have to trust that God is working through our process to bring salvation to the community around us.