Leadership in the Kingdom: Following Jesus Through His Chosen Ones

In the days following Jesus' ascension, a pivotal moment unfolded in the early church. The disciples, now without their physical leader, found themselves in a period of waiting and preparation. This time, often overlooked, holds profound lessons for us about leadership, community, and following Jesus.

Picture the scene: 120 followers of Jesus gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem. They had just witnessed their Lord ascend to heaven, with instructions to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. In this interim period, we see the formation of a new community, one that would become the foundation of the Christian church.

At the heart of this gathering was a pressing issue: the need to replace Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles. This wasn't merely about maintaining a number; it was about fulfilling a divine purpose. The twelve apostles represented the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the new covenant community that Jesus was establishing.

Peter, once impulsive and now restored, takes the lead. His actions reveal a transformed man, one who has learned the art of servant leadership from Jesus himself. He turns to Scripture, citing Psalms that speak prophetically of Judas' betrayal and the need for his replacement. This moment teaches us a crucial lesson: true spiritual leadership is always grounded in God's Word.

The qualifications for this new apostle were clear and specific. He needed to be someone who had been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry to His ascension, a witness to the resurrection. This requirement underscores the importance of experiential knowledge in spiritual leadership. It's not enough to know about Jesus; one must know Him personally.
Two men met these criteria: Joseph (also called Barsabbas or Justus) and Matthias. The disciples then did something remarkable – they prayed. "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen." This prayer reveals a profound truth: ultimately, it is Jesus who chooses leaders for His church.

The use of lots to make the final decision might seem strange to our modern sensibilities. However, it reflects the Old Testament practice of seeking God's will. It's important to note that this is the last time we see this method used in the New Testament. After Pentecost, the indwelling Holy Spirit would guide the church in decision-making.

Matthias was chosen, and the disciples accepted this decision without dispute. This acceptance highlights a critical aspect of Christian community – submission to godly leadership. In our individualistic culture, the idea of submission often meets resistance. Yet, the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus leads His church through appointed leaders.

This doesn't mean blind obedience or unquestioning acceptance. The New Testament model shows us a plurality of leadership, with leaders submitting to one another and being accountable to the community. It's a safeguard against the abuse of power and a reflection of the mutual submission we see in the Trinity itself.

The challenge for us today is to cultivate this spirit of humble submission, both as leaders and followers. For leaders, it means recognizing that their authority comes from Christ and is to be exercised in service, not domination. It means being accountable, open to correction, and leading by example.

For followers, it means trusting that Jesus is at work through imperfect human leaders. It means being willing to submit even when we disagree, understanding that this submission is ultimately to Christ Himself. This is no easy task in a world that champions autonomy and self-direction.

Yet, when we embrace this biblical model of leadership and followership, we participate in something beautiful. We mirror the very nature of God, where the Son submits to the Father in perfect love and unity. We create communities where power is used to serve, not to dominate.

This story from Acts reminds us that the church is not a democracy, but a kingdom. Jesus is our King, and He chooses to lead through appointed servants. When we align ourselves with this reality, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of life in God's kingdom.

As we reflect on this passage, let's ask ourselves some challenging questions:

1. Have we recognized our own inadequacy to lead our lives and submitted to Jesus' leadership?
2. As leaders, are we leading from God's Word and in a spirit of prayer and dependence?
3. As followers, are we willing to trust and submit to godly leadership, even when it's difficult?
4. How can we cultivate a community where leadership is shared, accountable, and focused on serving?

The early church, in this moment of transition, provides us with a powerful model. They waited on the Lord, sought His will through Scripture and prayer, and submitted to His choices. May we, in our own contexts, learn to do the same.

In a world crying out for authentic, servant-hearted leadership, the church has an opportunity to shine. By embracing Jesus' model of leadership – one of humility, submission, and service – we can offer a compelling alternative to the power struggles and self-promotion so prevalent in our culture.

Let us, then, commit ourselves anew to following Jesus, both as leaders and followers. May we be a people who seek His will, submit to His choices, and serve one another in love. In doing so, we'll not only experience the joy of true community but also reflect the character of our King to a watching world.