Acts 1:24 “And they prayed and said, ‘You, oh Lord, who knows the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen.’”

Life for the Christ-followers had certainly been tested. Their Lord was hung on a cross until death claimed his precious breath. The pious religious leaders with their soldiers, a few faithful followers, and Mary, His mother, stood on the hill and witnessed it all. With His final exhale, the very earth Christ helped speak into existence shook so violently with fury, its rocks split. Overwhelming grief of the Father extinguished His heavenly light and wrapped all creation in darkness.

But Blessed Hope returned, for no grave could ever conquer the Son of God. He rose to walk again among them before returning to the glory from whence He came.

As the book of Acts opens, the disciples have gathered with one mission: replace Judas. The magnitude of choosing the wrong man weighed heavily upon them as they considered the harm inflicted by their traitor. One would assume the discussion at that gathering centered around the criteria for their new appointee. Did they speak of someone with power and prestige who might help dispel persecution? Did their discourse revolve around an educated man capable of debate against the relentless religious scholars? Perhaps they considered men of wealth who might elevate their reputation. On the contrary, scripture records none of these were considered. Tossing human logic to the wind, the disciples prayed for a man with one criterion: a heart belonging to the Father.

Scripture reveals a God whose desire for us is often in contrast to what we humans admire. If we treasure outward appearances, our hearts will be found among the shiny things of life. If we hold dear our position, our hearts will be found among the ranks of hierarchy. If we cherish material possessions, our hearts will be lost in a world that will one day return to dust, for neither position, nor looks, nor popularity, nor station in life impresses God. So, if we seek what the Father seeks, social media will not consume us. The quest for perfection, looks, and popularity will not define us. Power and wealth will not drive our ambitions. Today Sisters, live life in pursuit of what really matters: a heart belonging to our Heavenly Father.

Father God may our hearts seek you.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane