Devotion • August 7
Today's Scripture
Acts 1:15–26
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, “Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus — for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his homestead become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it’; and ‘Let another take his position of overseer.’ So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us — one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. (NRSV)
Reflection
Jesus had just ascended, leaving behind a community grappling with an unprecedented absence. No longer guided by his physical presence, the disciples were tasked with transforming a following into a church. Their initial leadership structure, the Twelve Apostles, was now compromised. Judas’ betrayal had created a vacancy, leaving them to question the divine blueprint. Was twelve a mandate from Jesus? Was there a better way to do this? Unclear. So, in good faith to carry on the traditions of this new faith, they decide to appoint a replacement. And in their process, the early church embarked on its first exercise in communal discernment, seeking divine wisdom to select one of their next leaders.
Discernment is the cornerstone of Reformed Christian life. Our governance structure is intentionally designed to foster collective wisdom rather than centralized authority. Decisions are not the sole purview of the pastor but are made together by committees deeply rooted in prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. But let’s be clear: this structure isn’t designed so that popular opinion reigns. When the Session (our elected governing body) or any other committee gathers, they “are not simply to reflect the will of the people, but rather to seek together to find and represent the will of Christ” (Book of Order). They are gathering to discern not what we want, but what God wants.
Right now, thirteen members of our community are prayerfully discerning what God wants for us at Fourth Church. The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) is doing the brave, joyful, hard work of listening to God’s still-speaking voice. They are leaning deeply into the Holy Spirit as they seek God’s wisdom in the selection of our next pastor. They are trusting in God’s goodness and love for us.
But not even the PNC acts alone, for they can only be successful with our trust and prayers. So, we trust that the God who has brought us this far continues still, and we pray for those whom we have entrusted with this responsibility. With trust and patience, we await God’s unfolding purposes.
Prayer
O God, you have guided generations of your church, so too guide us. We pray for our Pastor Nominating Committee as they discern your future for us; for Liz, Jeanne, Lloyd, Beth, Heather, Kerry, Elizabeth, Jared, Kash, Michael, Kent, Gretchen, and Jessica. And we pray for ourselves, that we may trust and rest in the assurance of love. Amen.
Written by Shawn Fiedler, Major Gift Officer
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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