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Friday, August 7, 2009

When Divisions Occur

Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles. Acts 1:26

Lord, the flavor of your ministry seems to change during this time. I detect a shift from the free flowing ministry of God in the world to a group of men organizing themselves in order to do ministry. You walked through the dusty streets and chose your disciples as you went about. Now, the inner group comes together to take care of business: the task of replacing Judas. Did they really need to replace Judas? They used the casting of lots to make the decision! Matthias won and Justus lost, creating a division between two followers. Were some people upset by this decision? Why couldn’t both of the men be named apostles? Or, why couldn’t they just keep eleven apostles?

Two people vying for one ministry position. I’ve been in that place and it hurts! One is chosen. One is turned away. One is raised above others. One remains beneath. Should we be casting lots these days? Is one way any better than another way? Is your will revealed more accurately through one process over another? Are positions of church leadership necessary? Or does “leadership” create a spirit of hierarchy and division?

Lord, why can’t we do ministry the way you did ministry: fluid, open, and without structured organization. I guess it all boils down to the fact that we are all fallible human beings. We’ve come a long way from these early beginnings and we have a long, long way to go!

Lord, when divisions occur help us to love in spite of the mess. Let your Spirit weave unity in the midst of division, order in the midst of chaos, and love in the midst of hate.

1 comments:

Robin said...

Lord Jesus all of the questions Yvette ask are the same ones that fill my mind causing me to ask, "Why?" Today, I ask through your Holy Spirit teach us Jesus revealing wisdom from Heaven to cover our minds, souls, and hearts. It is fun to take part in different ways to pray. Thank you for this experience, of meeting others with the same heart devotion. In Christ, Amen.

Have a great weekend Yvette.