Daily Fountain 2017 - A Painful Vacancy

Friday February 24

Bible Reading: Acts 1: 15 - 26

Topic:         A Painful Vacancy

Today, we remember the man who took the place of Judas among the twelve.

We want to focus on the painful vacancy that necessitated the inclusion of Matthias among the twelve.

Judas had been with the Lord for almost three and half years. He appeared to be almost the most trusted disciple, having been entrusted with the treasury of the earthly Ministry of Jesus.

Suddenly uncontrollable appetite for riches and materialism drove him into iniquity and public disgrace and he lost his revered office.

Painfully Peter said, "he was numbered with us and had obtained part of this ministry".

While Judas toyed with his position, many others were appreciative of it waiting to fill any gap that may arise. Thus Matthias emerged from the bench and took his place.

Would you want to constitute a painful vacancy?
Do you want your rightful position to be taken over by a substitute?

Your "No" can only be meaningful when you start now to control your appetite for wealth, lust and worldly glory.

This will save you from falling into iniquity and public disgrace like Judas, that may cost you your high office as a Christian and disciple of Jesus.

It is a matter of self discipline.

Prayer:

My Father and my Lord, help me to understand that it profiteth a man nothing to gain the whole world and lose his soul into hades, Amen.

Memory verse:   Acts. 1: 20

"For it is written in the Book of Psalms, let his habitation be desolate and let no man dwell therein and his Bishoprick, let another take"

Source:     The Daily Fountain
(The Daily Devotional Guide of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion)