Although, he was continually outwardly associated with Christ, his heart was divided and he had departed from the Lord in his heart (Hosea 10:2; Hebrews 3:12-14). “The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). He soon became a thief (John 6:70;12:6) and stole from the collective purse of Christ and the disciples. He covered up his sinful character so cleverly that the other disciples did not know of his backsliding and apostasy (John 13:25-30). “The love of money” was the root of all his evil (1Timothy 6:10).
Covetousness had stolen his heart, he “erred from the faith and pierced himself through with many sorrows” and eternal damnation. The Lord, in mercy, warned him many times, but all the warnings fell on deaf ears. For Judas, the pull of money was stronger than the pleading of the Master.
“Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place,” (Acts 1:25). With all the messages he heard, all the miracles he saw, all the money he had, all the ministry he obtained, all the mysteries he witnessed, all the ministrations of mercy he received, all the mighty men he associated with, he still perished and went to hell.
Be warned; beware, watch and pray. Remember Judas, remember Lot’s wife. Remember Judas, remember Balaam. Remember Judas, remember Achan. Remember Judas, remember Ahab and Jezebel. Remember Judas, remember Gehazi. Remember Judas, remember Ananias and Sapphira. Remember Judas, remember Demas. Remember Judas. Hell is unending, everlasting, eternal, forever. Remember!
There was a prophecy still to be fulfilled — “Let another take his office” (Psalm109:8). And there was a divine example still to be followed — “And when He had removed him (Saul), He raised up unto them a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will” (Acts 13:22). To fill the vacancy, the qualifications were stated and two men were nominated (Acts 1:21-23). They prayed, asking the Lord “which knowest the hearts of all men” to reveal His choice. Then they cast lots and the choice was made.
The casting of lots was used only during this period of transition, before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. No other Apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher, minister or Christian worker was chosen by casting lots. Even in the Old Testament, no leader, priest, king, prophet, captain, builder, worker, husband or wife was chosen by casting lots.
God chose Moses and Aaron (Psalm 105:26). God chose Joshua through Moses (Numbers 27:18,19). God chose David through Samuel (Psalm 78:70). Christ chose the Apostles after praying (Luke 6:12,13; Acts 1:2). Paul was chosen by the risen Lord and by the Holy Ghost (Acts 9:15,16; 13:2; 22:14,15; Galatians 1:15,16).
Noteworthy here is the involvement of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the choice, call and commission of Paul, the Apostle. Let us also learn that the choice of Matthias did not hinder or limit the usefulness of Stephen, Philip, Silas, James, Timothy, Titus, Apollos among others. The Lord is still calling, choosing, sending and using people today (Isaiah 6:6-8; Acts 8:4).
• Further Reading (King James Version): Acts 1:12-26. Acts 1:12-15; 2:1,46; 4:24-31; 15:25; Romans 15:5,6; Philippians 2:2-5; John 17:17-23; Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8; Acts 6:2-4; Ephesians 6:18; Matthew 18:19. Acts 1:16-20; Psalms 41:9; 55:12-15; 109:8; Luke 24:27,44-46; Matthew 26:23-25; Mark 14:10,11, 18-21,44-46; Luke 22:3-6,21-23; John 6:60,66-71; 13:2,18,19,21-30; Matthew 27:3-10; 2 Peter 2:20-22. Acts 1:21-26; John 15:27; Acts 13:22; Luke 6:12,13; Hebrews 4:13; Jonah 1:7; Proverbs 16:33; Acts 6:2-6; 9:15-17; 13:2-4; Galatians 1:15,16; 1 Corinthians 15:9,10.
