In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”
Peter takes the lead to confront a very uncomfortable issue that happened. One of their own betrayed Jesus to His death. Peter takes the lead in the face of everything that had happened. He reassures the people that this did not surprise or mess up God’s plan. This was needed to fulfill scripture. Psalm 69: 25 says, “May their camp be a desolation; let no one dwell in their tents.” This refers to Judases home. Psalm 109:8 says, “May his days be few; may another take his office!” Another to take Judases position. Maintaining the number 12 is appropriate due to the twelve tribes of Judah. Judas fulfilled scripture, was a guide, one of the 12, and shared the ministry. All the disciples felt the pain of betrayal.
Let us remember that God was not surprised or caught off guard. We need to remember the bigger picture and that God is in control. Ignoring issues does not developed healing. We need to face hard times, which takes courage and strength from the Lord. Even after a failure, ministry can still be valid. Judases failure did not invalidate the work of Jesus and the future work of the disciples. God can use problems and failures of other to raise up leaders to continue the work. That might be me, or you, even in our inadequacy.
Lord, help us to keep a close eye on ourselves so that we are not a Judas to someone else. May we be willing to step up, trusting in You, to give us courage and faith, in times where leadership is needed. May our focus be on You and not elevated leaders as they are still humans with sin nature.
