Many people know about Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed the Lord Jesus. Judas’ name has become synonymous with characteristics such as disloyalty and deception. Yet we often forget about his successor, a man named Matthias.

The name Matthias is a shortened form of Mattathias, which means “gift of Yahweh”. Although the Bible tells us very little about Matthias’ life and ministry, we know that he had been among Christ’s followers from the time of His baptism by John to His ascension to heaven (Acts 1:21,22a). Matthias would be called upon to proclaim the resurrection of the Lord Jesus (1:22b). And his appointment as an apostle came after the early believers had spent much time in prayer, asking for God’s guidance (1:24-26). Although we don’t know all the details, one thing is clear: Matthias was a gift from the Lord. He was asked to step up when Judas Iscariot abandoned Christ and His followers. With a traitor out of the picture, the early church could get on with fulfilling God’s mission in the world.

We need more “gifts of Yahweh” in today’s day and age. There are so many people who either haven’t heard the gospel clearly proclaimed or are yet to trust in the Saviour who died for their sins and rose again. As Jesus Himself said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37,38)

Whether it is pastor-teachers in local churches; missionaries and pioneers at home and abroad; children’s, youth and aged care ministers; Bible scholars and translators; or more Christians equipped to share the good news in everyday life, the needs are constant. Let us answer the call to pray and serve in God’s mission field in a dark and broken world. And may the Lord be pleased to answer our prayers, gifting us with people like Matthias so that the love and truth of Jesus Christ may be proclaimed for the salvation and transformation of many.