New Guidance

“They put forward two … They prayed … They cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”—Acts 1:23–26 ESV

After Judas died, the disciples felt someone should take his place. The question was how to fill this vacancy. They followed a traditional method: After a short prayer, they cast lots.

In the days to come, they were to learn an entirely new way of being guided. As they experienced on the Day of Pentecost, this new way was based on being led by the Spirit.

Jesus told them that they were to “wait for the promise of the Father” (v. 4). They just didn’t know how long they were to wait. But they kept waiting, wondering what would happen next.

Suddenly the Holy Spirit fell on them, and they were ushered into an entirely new spiritual dimension. As Jesus had promised, the Spirit became their comforter and companion. As they submitted everything to Him, they trusted Him to guide and lead them (John 14:16–26).

We see this new guidance in operation when the Holy Spirit told the church in Antioch, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2).

These same principles are still true. The Bible is clear: God still urges us to know His Word and follow His principles. But we, too, need to stay sensitive to His Spirit by waiting on Him and listening to Him.

Stay in tune with God’s Word; always be sensitive to His Spirit. Trust Him.

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide you.