Daily Devotions
Barsabbas
Title: Barsabbas
Reading for May 5: 1 Chronicles 20-23
Weekly reading for April 29-May 5: Acts 1-5
And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show 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 numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 1:23-26
Have you ever thought about how Barsabbas felt after getting passed over as an apostle? Of course, it would be foolish to complain publicly because it was the Lord himself that chose between him and Matthias. But it makes you wonder if he privately felt at all envious, perhaps even to the point that he felt resentment toward his brother.
You can say it's only human nature to sulk and feel sorry for yourself after you've been passed over for a position. The problem is that this emotion is completely unproductive and can actually prevent you from using your talents. And this is poor stewardship. Consider the case of Barsabbas. One of the qualifications (which Barsabbas had) was that the candidate had to have been with Jesus from the baptism of John until the ascension of Jesus. If Barsabbas had decided to pack it in and not use his gifts to teach or encourage others, then he would have wasted the three years of training he had received personally sitting at Jesus' feet. What a tragedy that would have been!
Father, help us to be content with whatever position you've given us to serve others. Give us gratitude to appreciate the great investment you have made in our lives. May we, as good stewards, pass along to others the things we have been taught by those who have taken the time to teach us and mentor us.
