When you don’t make the cut

Acts 1:23-26

Have you ever failed to make the cut?

Justus did. He made it onto the short list of contestants and even got to the point where he had a 50/50 chance of being chosen the winner. He was one of the last two. The cut so far had fallen in the right place for him. Others had not been so lucky. We don’t even know their names today, or how many of them there may have been. Very few remember the name of Justus, either, of course. Like American Idols, who seem to occupy the attention of so many for so long, once the competition is over it is not long until even the names of the winners fade from memory. Was Justus a loser? If you are having trouble remembering him, you may know his other names – Joseph or Barsabbas. The winner’s name is more memorable – Matthias. He made the cut when the believers prayed to God to show them His choice between Justus and Matthias (Acts 1:23). After they prayed they cast lots and the lot fell to Matthias so he was added to the eleven apostles. Matthias took the place of Judas as Peter had urged (Acts 1:15-22). How many others did not make the first cut? Were there more than two who had also been with Jesus from His baptism to His ascension? If there were we do not know about them. And there is no mention of these two after Acts 1. Matthias is to become a witness with the apostles of the resurrection of Jesus. He made man’s cut and He made God’s cut. He was with them for the events of Acts 2, and apparently stayed in Jerusalem when the persecution drove many away in Acts 8:1. Beyond that all we know is that he was a witness of the resurrection with the apostles. It is probable that Justus was among those who were scattered, but what a scattering that was. “They preached the Word wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4)

Where was Justus when they were searching out men known to be full of the spirit and wisdom? (Acts 6:1-7). Wouldn’t you expect him to have a shot at this after losing the other election? We could speculate all day long about what happened to Justus, but one scenario we have to consider is the fact that man had two choices whereas God only had one. Perhaps God was not just saying that Matthias was the better choice but that he was the only choice.

Acts 17:7; Col 4:11 – two other with the name Justus

Nobody misses God’s Cut these days Acts 2:38-41

Apostles stand out – Acts 2:42-47 but folks are still being added / saved.

Ch 2 Jerusalem – Ch 8 Samaria – Ch 10 Gentiles…etc. etc.

Acts 17:29-31 He commands all people everywhere to repent.

The world is still under that command. You make not make man’s cut nobody does in the end. You make that cut and you get cut-off by God and by man eventually.

Paul talks about that a lot. If someone has a different gift or job than you this does not mean you did not make the cut. 1 Cor 12:4-6; Eph 4:11-16; Luke 24:45-49

3000 made the cut the first day.

Col 2:9-12 Not a physical cut but an eternal cut. His cut is the deepest.

Jesus did not make man’s cut. (They chose Barabbas instead Matthew 27:20)

But He made God’s Cut…

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

So can you

Acts 2:38,39

Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."