Replacements

Scripture:  Acts 1
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’ (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) ‘For it is written in the book of Psalms,
“Let his homestead become desolate,
   and let there be no one to live in it”;
and
“Let another take his position of overseer.”
So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout 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—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 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.

Observation 

After Jesus departs, the community gets organized.  Peter steps into public leadership.  They address the "elephant in the room"---Judas' betrayal of Jesus and his death by suicide.  Notice Peter suggests that Judas played a role, albeit a tragic one, in the mission of Jesus.  And that he was indeed one of them, "allotted a share in this ministry".  He does not demonize him or reject him as an apostle.  He was, in fact, also chosen!  So they set out to replace him, because every person has a place, a calling, a role to play.  They establish criteria for election; they propose two possible candidates; they pray a simple prayer; they roll dice; and Matthias is chosen.  The eleven didn't elect him. It is the Spirit that chooses through prayer and chance. 

Application
Little is known about Matthias.  But he is selected into apostolic leadership.  He will help to organize and direct the community of disciples.  Why didn't the apostles just operate without a 12th man? I mean, Jesus chose those 12 people to accompany him and be his disciples.  Because, if Peter didn't do this, the movement would die with the remaining 11. And Jesus expected them to go and make more disciples, learning to do what he did, to love like he loved.  Peter begins a process of leadership regeneration and multiplication.  (Notice 12 represents one tenth of the total population.)  Each of them becomes responsible overseers of 10 people. 
We're all replacements.  Someone came before us, preparing a way for us to be part of Jesus' love revolution.  You have been called, chosen, to play a role in the emerging faith community here. What is it?  How does your participation organize and multiply the community's mission and impact?  What is your experience of Jesus and the gospel?  What is it about him---his teaching, his work, his life--- that draws you in, inspires you, challenges you?

Prayer  
Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show each of us why and to what you are calling us as leaders of this emerging expression of church in this place.  Amen.