Matthias - The Chosen Successor

I am Matthias, chosen by God's providence to complete the number of the twelve apostles after Christ's ascension. My story is different from the other apostles – while they were called directly by Jesus during His ministry, I was chosen through prayer and the casting of lots after He had returned to heaven. Yet I had been there all along, faithfully following from the beginning, watching and learning, though without official recognition.

A Witness from the Beginning

From the day of John's baptism of Jesus until the ascension, I was there. Though not among the original twelve, I witnessed it all:

• The powerful teachings that drew crowds
• The miracles that demonstrated His authority
• The private moments that revealed His character
• The resurrection that proved His divinity
• The ascension that marked His return to glory

These years of quiet observation and faithful presence would prove to be God's preparation for a role I never sought but was called to fulfill.

Chosen by Divine Providence

The selection process remains vivid in my memory. After Judas's betrayal and death, Peter stood among the believers and spoke of the need to restore the number of apostles to twelve. The criteria were clear – it had to be someone who had been with Jesus from the beginning, a witness to both His life and resurrection.

Two of us met these requirements: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and myself. After prayer, seeking God's will, the lot fell to me. I've often reflected on that moment – not a dramatic calling by the sea or at a tax booth, but a quiet selection through the gathered believers' prayers and God's providence.

Stepping into a Sacred Trust

Following in the footsteps of one who betrayed such a holy calling was no small matter. Yet I learned that God's work isn't hindered by human failure – He always has a plan to restore and continue His purposes. My selection wasn't just about filling a vacancy; it was about God's faithfulness to His church and His promise to build it despite all opposition.

The Value of Hidden Preparation

My journey taught me profound truths about God's timing:

• Faithful service in obscurity prepares us for future calling
• Every moment of witnessing prepares us for future testimony
• God sees and values our dedication before others notice
• Divine timing often differs from our expectations

A Message for Those Who Wait

To those reading these words who feel overlooked or wonder if their faithful service matters, I understand. I spent years following Jesus without the title or recognition the twelve received. But I've learned that God's timing is perfect, and no sincere service goes unseen by Him. Sometimes the greatest preparation for public ministry is years of faithful observation and quiet learning.

Leadership Lessons from a Late-Called Apostle

My unique position taught me much about leadership and transition:

• The importance of meeting God's qualifications over seeking positions
• How faithful preparation meets divine opportunity
• The delicate nature of succeeding others in leadership
• The value of joining an established team with humility
• The power of God's providence in timing and placement

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In my years of service, first as an unnamed follower and later as a chosen apostle, I've learned that God's calling often comes not in dramatic moments by the sea, but through the steady preparation of faithful service and the considered prayers of His people. The years I spent as an observer were not wasted – they were essential preparation for the role I would eventually fill.

Remember, whether you're in a season of hidden faithfulness or stepping into a new role, God's timing is perfect. As one who watched and waited before being called, I can testify that every moment of faithful service matters in God's kingdom. Sometimes the most important qualification for future ministry is simply being faithful where you are, ready to step forward when God's time comes.