Proven Faithful

2 Timothy 2:2 "...and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

Matthias the individual who was appointed to "fill the position of Judas" after his death is not mentioned within the Scriptures other than one time in Acts 1:21-26. Although little is known about him we do have three key characteristics by which he is considered for the position. One of these is not directly spoken of while the other two are directly referenced. He is a believer, faithful/enduring, and will bear witness to the work of Christ.

First, Matthias is referenced as an individual who met the qualification of "accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us..." It is interesting to see the faithfulness of Matthias, for to be amongst the teaching of Jesus Christ from the beginning of His earthly ministry until his ascension meant persevering through all that Christ also dealt with while he was with the apostles. Matthias' faithfulness is seen even when the large amount of followers left at the difficult teaching of Jesus' when He taught that He was the bread of life in John 6:22-66. He also remained faithful after the death of Christ and was among them at his ascension in Acts 1. This type of faithfulness that is seen among the apostles is beneficial and one that should be spoken highly of. It is a faithfulness to the teachings and life of Christ that can be followed in a similar manner today!

Second, Matthias is a believer who sought after and continued in the teachings of Christ. Although this is not specifically denoted it must follow that he is a believer, if they are seeking an individual who will, "become with us [the Apostles] a witness of his resurrection." His belief in the Lord Jesus Christ is a prerequisite to his being appointed to this position.

The third characteristic is associated with this in that he is appointed to actually speak and proclaim, to be a witness with the apostles of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Himself. He is expected to live it and proclaim it!

Some Questions for reflection. Do we continue to seek to exhibit this type of devotion and commitment to the things of God? To the proclamation of the work of God in the lives of individuals? To the faithful service even if it is apparently unnoticed? Can we be considered worthy of our calling to preach and proclaim and live the gospel that has saved us from sin?