Chosen By God

Chosen by God

They nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

Acts 1:23-26

How would you feel if one day you were a farmer, a woodworker, or a factory worker and the next day you still had that role and the additional responsibilities of a minister?

Amish ministers and deacons are chosen by lot, and they serve for life. They have no formal seminary or college training.

There are only two reasons a congregation must choose a minister—if a minister passes away, or moves away, or if the church district grows and must be split into two smaller districts. When a new minister is needed, church members nominate married men who exhibit the characteristics described in 1 Timothy 3.

After a communion service, a table holds a row of songbooks—one for each nominee. Inside one of the rubber band–wrapped hymnals is a piece of paper that reads, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33, KJV). The nominees approach the table one by one, from oldest to youngest, and choose a hymnal. The man who chooses the hymnal with the slip of paper is the new minister of the church.

Although most of us don’t live our lives by casting lots, we all need to ask ourselves, As a follower of God, am I willing to follow wherever He leads? An Amish man may not receive baptism unless he is willing to accept potential nomination to leadership. May we be willing to do the same—to follow the call of God no matter the cost.

Dear heavenly Father, I know I don’t need lots to direct my future when I have Your Holy Spirit as my Counselor and Guide. Help me to listen, Lord. And more than that, help me to be willing to follow You in whatever position You place me in.