This story of the calling of Matthias as the 12th Apostle to replace Judas Iscariot is evidence that – even after the tragedy and trauma of Judas’ betrayal – God continued to work among the apostles and within the early church. Their story wasn’t over. That’s the central message of Advent: the last good thing hasn’t happened yet.
Romeo heard Juliet
Say, “The last good thing hasn’t happened yet.
Get a baby carriage and a bassinet.
The last good thing hasn’t happened yet.
We can do this; piece of cake, no sweat.
The last good thing still hasn’t happened yet.
Early morning, grass is wet
The last good thing hasn’t happened yet
After midnight, don’t forget
That the last good thing still hasn’t happened yet
Long black limo and a string quartet
The last good thing hasn’t happened yet
Leave the graveyard, no regrets
The last good thing hasn’t happened yet
Epic blessings from the day we met.
And the last good thing still hasn’t happened yet.”
Generous and Extravagant God, at our best and worst times, when we rejoice, worry, or lament, at the cradle and at the grave, remind us of the truth of Advent and Easter that the last good thing hasn’t happened yet. Amen.
John Williams
Chaplain, Austin College
Words for Waiting 