It was one of those administrative tasks, the job that must be done, but is no fun. Peter was leading the group and called them to the scripture that said let another take his (Judas the traitor) office. So as the men prayed and sought a person that fit the model for an apostle. God led them to Matthias. So, they welcomed Matthias as one of the 12. Not the most exciting of bible stories, but it does point out several things.
First, the Church had to move forward. Often the first steps are the hardest to take. Peter stepped up and completed an important and difficult leadership move. replace the missing guy. It was hard enough to deal with their associating with Judas for those years. They were shocked that they missed it, even though Jesus pointed it out. They struggled with what they might have done, even though it was a part of the plan. So, replacing Judas was a strong statement that they would move forward and not wallow in their fear.
Second, they sought guidance from prayer and scripture. Peter and the group prayed this through, and Matthias was seemingly God’s choice for the ranks. Interestingly, little more is known about Matthias, but we see he was with the group from the early days and with them after the resurrection. He was obviously faithful and loyal. It will be awesome to meet him in Heaven
Finally, it showed the church was preparing for whatever God wanted to do next. These folks were still in Jerusalem, hiding and waiting for some direction. Fortunately, Peter had been prepped to lead and to listen for God’s direction. They had no idea how things were about to change. Neither did they realize the impact they were going to have on God’s chosen–but, until then, they were getting ready.
Matthias’ appointment was a picture of a group ready for whatever Jesus had set for the next part of the Journey. We too are often in places that seem just like another day and of no significance. In those times we also need to do what is necessary, be watchful and prayerful. Like the group, we need to forget about what is behind and press on toward whatever God has in store. It may not seem amazing, but as one that has been 50+ years following our Lord, every day is an adventure!
God Bless You
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.[c]
15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “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. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong[d] he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
“‘Let another take his office.’
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Walking With God 