“Matthias Takes The Mantle”
Wednesday, June 5, 2024Key Verse
“Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection” (Acts 1:22).
Text — Acts 1:15-26
Message
J. Oswald Sanders said, “Choosing men for office in the church or any of its auxiliaries without reference to spiritual qualifications must of necessity result in an unspiritual administration.” The mantle serves a symbolic purpose. For the prophets, it shows that they were wrapped in God’s authority like the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha which symbolized the passing of prophetic authority to Elisha.
From our text, we see that the sin of Judas Iscariot was not only his shame and ruin but also created a vacancy in the college of the apostles. Judas lost the mantle of apostleship because of transgression. Of a truth, sin is a reproach to any people. On the other hand, Matthias was qualified to take up the mantle to become an apostle of Jesus in the place of Judas because he was consistent, fervent, and regular in fellowship with God and His people. He prepared himself ahead of time. In like manner, God is looking for saved, consistent and fervent youths that will take up the mantle and be witnesses to Christ’s resurrection.
Quote
Take up the mantle.
Challenge
Be ready for a role in Christ’s Body
Prayer for today
Oh Lord, help me to be prepared for the mantle in my generation.
About Author - Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
