Presentation Ministries

St. Matthias was chosen as an apostle to replace Judas. Joseph Barsabbas was not chosen; he was passed over. Have you ever been passed over for a job promotion, turned down for a more attractive girl or guy, or lost out to your sibling for a parent’s attention? Now what do you do?

All we know about Joseph Barsabbas is the following:

• Joseph followed Jesus wherever He went (Acts 1:21).
• Joseph was faithful over the long haul. He stayed in the company of the disciples from beginning to end (Acts 1:22).
• Joseph did not seek honors for himself, but was nominated by the others (Acts 1:23).
• Joseph was a powerful, faithful disciple, worthy of being an apostle.
• Joseph joined the leaders and Matthias in humbly seeking God’s will (Acts 1:24).
• Joseph was ready to serve God if he was chosen.

After Matthias was chosen, we hear no more about Joseph. However, it’s likely that Joseph responded to being “un-chosen” by living the same faithful, committed life as always. Joseph may not have been chosen, but he was choose-able.

Like Joseph, we can be faithful servants of God, “each of [us] doing only what the Lord assigned” us (1 Cor 3:5). Even if passed over for some position or favor, we are always “chosen and precious in the sight of God” (1 Pt 2:4, RNAB). Choose to stay faithful, thankful, and humble. Choose to be choose-able.