WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Find a photo of a friend and ask God to speak to them today. Pray first You may have noticed those strange graphic squares that are a mix between a bar code and a maze. They are Quick Response (QR) codes and when scanned by a QR reader app, they transfer you to a website. In a much more first-century way, Luke fulfils the same role. After Jesus ascends into heaven, the disciples have two quick responses: their first was to join with the others in the upstairs room and pray. In fact we are told of their constant prayer, definitely a foundational value of the early church (v 14). No doubt there were other options, but it’s a powerful message to us all that their first inclination was to pray and worship God. Scripture knowledge Their second QR was to align themselves with Scripture and appoint someone to replace the now-deceased Judas. Twelve had always been a significant number and this symbol of the 12 tribes of Israel had to be restored. From Psalms 69 and 109 they found confirmation and proceeded to describe the personal qualities for such an apostolic role (vs 21,22). Casting lots was not magical but historical and cultural, and before doing so they asked for God’s help. Matthias was chosen. At such a mysterious and momentous time, how inspirational to cast an eye over their quick responses and find prayer at the core! Respond: Be honest: what are your instant responses to challenging times? Is prayer one of them? If not, ask God to grow within you a deep desire for prayer. http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-05-29