The One Not Chosen: Joseph Barsabbas
Tony Mauck
Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi,
Ammiel, Sthur, Nahbi, Geuel – any of those names
ring a bell? Probably not. Joshua and Caleb? “Oh,
yeah, I remember them.” Ten names that will go
down in infamy. We hardly recall their names
because they are the ten spies who came back
with the faithless report about taking
the land of promise. We remember
Joshua and Caleb because of their
contrasting response, their great confidence
in God to be able to deliver
what He promised.
Let’s try another: Matthias. Sure,
you remember Him too. He was the
one who was selected to replace
Judas Iscariot and be numbered
among the Apostles (Acts 1:21-26).
How well do you remember the other
disciple whose name was thrown
into the hat with Matthias, the one not
chosen to be numbered among the
12? The name Joseph Barsabbas
is likely not on the tip of your tongue. Most likely, he
who was also called Justus would not make your
list of great Bible characters.
Not that we should equally compare Joseph
Barsabbas with the ten names of infamy aforementioned,
but he is often passed over nonetheless
because he was not chosen. Not to be confused
with evil Barrabas or Joseph who was called
Barnabas by the apostles, Joseph Barsabbas is
perhaps an underappreciated disciple of the Lord.
What if you had been Joseph Barsabbas the
day the lot fell upon Matthias and not you? It hurts
to be passed over. Would feelings of inadequacy
and disappointment have beset you? Did he pause
to think, “I wonder why God chose Matthias and
not me.”
Have you ever felt passed over, unappreciated,
unacknowledged or undervalued in the Lord’s
cause? The story of Joseph Barsabbas is for you.
Four observations about this disciple
in Scripture:
Though Not Chosen, Chosen
of God. Despite not being numbered
among the 12, Joseph could
find consolation that he was still
numbered among the people of God,
the chosen (Ephesians 1:4;
Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 2:9). “Chosen
of God” is a place of honor or
blessing even if we are not chosen
for other tasks in God’s kingdom or
our deeds for the Lord go unnoticed
by others.
All Are Not Apostles, Are
They? Everyone could not serve as
an apostle of our Lord (only 12 positions available!).
In 1 Corinthians 12:29,30, Paul could well
have said, “Remember Joseph Barsabbas.” Not
everyone could be a tongue-speaker or miracleworker
in Corinth, but everyone could practice the
love of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:31-14:1). Everyone
cannot serve as elder. Everyone cannot effectively
fill a pulpit. No room exists in the kingdom for
rivalry, competition, envy and jealousy (Ephesians
4:1-3).
Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice. The challenge
to be selfless can be no greater than right
here. I would like to think Joseph congratulated
Matthias, patted him on the back, offered support
and said something to this effect, “I’m glad for you,
brother. May the Lord bless us both as we continue
to strive for His kingdom and glory!” For many, the
first part of Romans 12:15 is much harder to do than
the second part.
It’s okay if someone else gets the nod other than
me. We should rejoice in how the Lord is able to use
them. It’s okay if someone gets praised, noticed
and I do not. Remember, the Lord always notices
(Hebrews 6:10).
Excel Still More. Joseph Barsabbas was not
being rejected as a Christian. Who really knows
why God chose Matthias over him? Certainly, yield
in the kingdom varies from disciple to disciple (Luke
8:15). Not everyone can be the five-talent man
(Matthew 25:14-30). Joseph’s non-selection
changed nothing. His mission was still to seek
maximum yield for his Lord and King.
How are you going to handle disappointment in
the kingdom and in life for that matter? How will you
respond to the selection of others above yourself?
1) Do not wallow in self-pity. 2) Determine to imitate
Christ in your thinking and character to the best of
your ability. 3) Cultivate your talent. Tap into all of
your ability for service in the kingdom. Who knows
what the Lord may yet be able to do through you?
4) Kill jealousy and rivalry in your heart. Rejoice
with, acknowledge, appreciate and encourage those
who excel among us (1 Thessalonians 5:11-18). 5)
Stay focused in your aim and constant effort to fulfill
the greatest command (Mark 12:30,31).
Chosen of God is enough! It’s more than enough.
It’s the ultimate.