What about me?

“So they proposed two men: ... Barsabbas ... and Matthias: Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry ...’ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, so he was added to the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:23-26

As a young man about a year into my employment, I was invited to apply for a newly created position. There were only two of us in the running ... and the other applicant got the job. Of course I was a bit disappointed, but the hiring manager said this to me: “I want there to be two winners here. We’re giving this job to [the other candidate], but I have in mind another position for you a couple of years down the road.” There was an assuring integrity about this executive’s persona, so I trusted him. Not only was he true to his word, but the job he eventually gave me was much better suited to my skills and an outstanding springboard to the remainder of my career.

When Judas Iscariot unceremoniously vacated his apostolic position, Barsabbas and Matthias were the two people “in the running” as potential replacements. Each of them had been with Jesus and his followers the whole time … from his baptism through his resurrection and ascension. Both were well qualified.

Both were well qualified, but only Matthias got the job. He was now “one of the twelve” and would be counted among them for eternity. But what about Barsabbas? And what about the others among the roughly 120 believers of that day, most of them unnamed in Scripture? Even today, what about us? What about me?

Often overlooked in all the rich theology of the New Testament are the “shout outs” to everyday believers obediently working within their gifts and callings. Epaphras was an intercessor, “wrestling in prayer” for the church. Gaius, Nympha and Philemon opened up their homes, providing hospitality to the believers in their respective cities, as did Aquila and Priscilla, who were teachers, as well. The churches in Philippi and Macedonia were gifted givers, the latter sacrificing out of their “extreme poverty.” Barnabas was noted for encouraging others. Phoebe was a woman of helps; Stephen, a man of mercy. Phillip evangelized. Timothy and Titus provided pastoral care. Many explained the Word of God, revealing its truths through their preaching and teaching. And although their individual gifts are unknown to us, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Aristarchus, Demas and others were noted simply for working hard in Kingdom of God.

Whether we’re an Epaphras, Gaius or Tryphosa ... or a Larry, Doug or Judy ... God has an answer for everyone’s “What about me?” He gifts us and deploys each of us, just as his Spirit determines. And when each one of us trusts God’s wisdom and does what he asks of us today, the world is drawn to him, he is worshiped and glorified, and his people rejoice.

Do you know what else we overlook in Scripture? After Matthias was chosen over Barsabbas, nothing further was mentioned of either one of them! Just like all of the other believers, they simply assumed their respective roles and blended into the body of Christ, each member acting in the Spirit for the common good.

And when we do the same, our “What about me?” gives way to “Thy will be done.” It’s a beautiful thing and it is his doing.