The Lord Knows Us

GiftsEastertide
May 12, 2015

Scripture Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us 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 added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1:24-26

Does Matthias represent each of us, called to serve in a vacant slot or perhaps even in a new way? Every Disciple of Christ comes to serve with a unique set of talents. Talents with which we may have been born but also, I believe, instilled in us as good sees the need.

While, I must confess, it is a bit intimidating to realize that the Lord knows all of our hearts. On the other hand that can also be a confidence builder. For if we know that God loves us just exactly as we are, we can be assured that God can mold and make us what we are becoming to be in his service.

The key to being a productive Disciple of Christ is staying in synch with Christ: living the way Jesus taught us to live; communing regularly with God in prayer, study, meditation, and worship; and striving by choice to bear fruit in service to God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Called as Partners in Christ Service

Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring,
Christ’s clear call to work and worth,
Let us follow, never faltering,
Reconciling folk on earth.
Men and women, richer, poorer,
All God’s people, young and old,
Blending human skills together
Gracious gifts from God unfold.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for knowing me completely and still loving me. Teach me your ways and show me my way in your service. Amen.

*Called as Partners in Christ Service, verse 2, words by Jane Parker Huber, see at
http://worship-organizer.awtrey.com/hymnal/?number=343
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.