1. GUIDANCE BY CASTING LOTS

The perfect leading of the Holy Spirit is revealed in the Early Church history. That history is recorded for us in the book of Acts. The Lord's people are led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14 ). Discovery of the continuing ways of the Lord the Spirit's guidance, equips us with greater understanding and prepares us to receive His clear direction. The first and interesting occasion of guidance in Acts is the appointment to office of Matthias by lot casting (Acts 1:26 ).

Note why a decision was required:-

Acts 1:13 "And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James." (KJV)

	They were staying in Jerusalem in obedience to the risen Lord's command not to depart from Jerusalem (Acts 1:4 KJV).
	They were to stay until they received the "promise of the Father" (Acts 1:4 KJV).
	They were assembled with expectancy of being "endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49 KJV). Described by the Lord Jesus as "power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you" (Acts 1:8 NKJV).
	They knew the experience would be theirs in a few days time (Acts 1:5 ).
	Their obedience in waiting for enduement indicated an acceptance of their personal powerlessness and dependence on the promised power of the Holy Spirit.
	They were met together as the chosen, the called and commissioned. They could only succeed by the coming of the Holy Spirit on them (John 15:16; Acts 1:2; Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8 ).

Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. " (KJV)

The original word for "continued" - 'proskartereo' means to be earnest towards, so as to persevere and persist in prayer. The same word is used later of the apostles, who decided to delegate administrative tasks, to occupy themselves with intensity and perseverance to the priorities of their service, prayer and ministering the Word.

Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. " (KJV)

The apostolic example of persevering in prayer needs to be followed by believers today, so that they may faithfully and diligently serve the Lord.

Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; " (KJV)

We can know the strengthening power of the Holy Spirit and His direction by not neglecting prayer (Colossians 4:2; Ephesians 6:18 ). Like those in the upper room we should be specific and of one mind in presenting our supplications - the Father will answer our prayer of agreement (Matthew 18:19 ). True agreement is achieved by the Lord working by the Holy Spirit in each yielded heart bringing all to one accord (Matthew 18:20 ).

The number met in the upper room is said to be an hundred and twenty (Acts 1:15 ), the company consisted of the eleven apostles, women of those who followed Jesus (Luke 23:49,55; Luke 24:10; Matthew 27:55 ). Mary, the mother of Jesus is specially mentioned, and His brothers who now believed on Him (John 7:5; Matthew 12:46 ). All the hundred and twenty were one in devotion to their risen Lord. It was their acceptance of His Lordship that blended their differences into oneness of accord. Submission to Christ Jesus the living Lord is the centre of His peoples' unity. It is devotion to Christ that qualifies for Holy Spirit guidance.

Acts 1:15 "And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, ..." (KJV)

Peter arose among the assembled leaders in the school of Christ (disciples) as one inspired. Perhaps there is a parallel with his confession of Christ as "the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16 KJV). Jesus said, "flesh and blood hath not revealed it" (Matthew 16:17 KJV). The idea of replacing Judas had not been suggested to him by any man or college. His action was born out of an inner conviction that came from God. He was alert in his spirit to divine communication. This brings to mind the repeated word of Christ the Lord in the Revelation:

Revelation 2:7 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ..." (KJV)

Peter saw the need of a replacement of the fallen member of the apostolic company, and wanted the 120 to acknowledge the necessity. Unanimity among them would confirm his being led of the Holy Spirit. This is a principle emphasised again as we pursue our study of Holy Spirit guidance.

A decision was required:-