Whatever Happened to Justus?
[ From The Editors: This article is the ninth in a series we will publish
this year, calling attention to twelve people who though being dead, instruct us
(Heb. 11:4). They speak to us through the testimony of their lives as written in
Scripture. Over the next few months, we will develop a theme title. And, near
the end of the year we are planning to publish these twelve articles in book
form (Kindle, Nook and old fashioned print and ink). These passages and people
can equip us and motivate us toward greater service to our Lord.]
The Justus family readied themselves for worship with the assembly of brethren.
Dad was obviously anxious. His wife fussed over him, asking him if he needed any
help with clothing selection. The children were excited, sensing that some kind
of special honor might be bestowed on their father that day. Their dad would
perhaps become an Apostle, joining the renowned Peter, James, John and others.
What an opportunity for him, and a blessing for them. He would be recognized for
his many years of service to their Lord Jesus. Justus was one of the earliest
believers in Jesus and did not abandon Him when the crowds turned against him.
Finally he would receive proper appreciation for his loyalty.
But on that day, someone else was chosen. Justus was rejected. Whatever happened
to Justus?
The details of this story, as I’ve related it, cannot be known. The actual story
is told in 4 brief sentences. We cannot know whether Justus, also known as
Barsabbas, had a family, or even knew in advance that lots were going to be cast
to determine a replacement for Judas. But there are some valuable lessons we can
learn from this event.
The facts are these.
First, there were two men chosen as candidates, and only two.
They were selected by the congregation, which Peter commissioned to select the
candidates. These two men were known, respected and met the strenuous
requirements of the post. Evidently no one else among the group met these
stipulations.
Second, the selection was open, public and immediate. There was no back room
manipulation, no gathering of supporters, no discussion of the relative merits
of Justus and Matthias.
This story raises several questions. Why didn’t God just name the replacement?
It is obvious that He is in the casting of lots, but why did God involve the
congregation in the process at all if He made the final choice? Or, since the
Apostles would be the ones who would work and share life with them, why didn’t
they make the selection themselves?
Justus was denied the position. And that in itself is not a terrible shock, but
he was rejected by God. Not by the congregation, not be the Apostles, but by
God’s management of the lots. It is one thing to have men overlook us for an
honor – we can console ourselves by saying they are only human and made a
mistake. But God doesn’t make those errors of judgment. For all of his
qualifications, and they are many and significant, Justus didn’t pass muster.
Never again would his name be mentioned in the scriptures.
You may be wondering what the point of this message is. It is this.
Justus is Just US. He is you and me. He is everyone who is turned down, turned
out and turned away. He is every aspiring elder, deacon, Bible class teacher,
song leader, preacher and volunteer in the kingdom. He is the perpetual
also-ran, the eager raised hand that isn’t recognized, the suggestion that is
ignored.
And I wonder so often how he dealt with his “loss”. Was he embarrassed? Did he
leave and go to another church, hurt and licking his wounds? Was he bitter? Did
he find solace in the words of his supporters who whispered that he was robbed?
Did he bravely smile, congratulate Matthias and take his seat at the back of the
room? Did he pray regularly for Matthias? Was he gracious in defeat? Did he
bounce back? Take a “lesser” position later? Quietly continue to serve Christ
and Christians?
I Corinthians 12:27-31 is comfort for every Justus among us. Not all can be
apostles, or workers of the gifts of the Spirit, but all are members of the same
body, and all have a valuable function.
Justus and his family left that assembly that day with some disappointment to be
sure. Did his wife wipe tears from her eyes? Did Justus mask his hurt? Were the
children quiet, worried about how others felt about their father? Did they offer
prayers asking for other ways to serve?
What did happen to Justus? The answer matters to us, because the answer lies
within us.
By Ralph Walker
From Expository Files 19.9; September 2012
