Here is an audio link for today’s post.
Our memory verses for this week are Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The whole book of Acts, in the New Testament, is filled with so many incredible events as the early Church began to grow. Today’s devotion is about one of those key moments.
There was a group of believers from the early Church in Jerusalem who loved God and were so filled with the Spirit. Their love for God was displayed by their love for one another.
They shared this love in practical ways that blessed each other and helped the Church grow to be faithful and strong. Read their story in (Acts 4:32-37)
This devoted group of persecuted believers found their sole contentment came by trusting God for every need.
But there were two people who were a part of that group who stumbled into covetousness and dishonesty. These people coveted the praise of others.
Many of you are familiar with the story of Ananias and Saphirra. Their story is a reminder to all believers that when we fall into sin, we will face discipline.
This couple had sold some land and made a profit. But they had a dilemma. Their desire for the adulation of others was going to cost them some personal wealth.
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, then brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5: 1 & 2
Ananias and Saphirra were so desperate for the praise of others that they forgot about God. They robbed Him of glory. They didn’t rob God of wealth. God had given them the material blessings they had. He owns everything we possess. (Haggai 2:8 & Psalm 50:10)
The sin they committed quickly multiplied. Believe it or not, coveting praise wasn’t where their sin began. Their first sin was false pride. That led them to covet the esteem of others. They became greedy. The sins of lying and hypocrisy naturally came next. They had to lie to keep the sinful secret.
Then Ananias and Saphirra faced God’s discipline, because God disciplines those He loves. (Hebrews 12:6) It is believed that Ananias and Saphirra were truly born-again. Bible scholars believe that is likely because their story is in context with chapter four. That passage refers to the people as “the believers in Jerusalem”. (Acts 4:32-5:1)
Most often, believers who fall into sinful lifestyles, get caught. This story is no different.
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land? While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.”
Acts 5:3&4
I am sure that this couple never considered the unthinkable. They never dreamed that on this day, they would die. But that’s what happened.
Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.
Acts 5:5
About three hours later Saphirra, not aware of her husband’s death, met Peter.
“Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
Acts 5:8
I wonder if she felt a chill of fear upon hearing Peter’s next words?
But Peter asked her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
Acts 5:9
She fell down immediately at his feet and died.
Acts 5:10
God loves His people and does not take delight in their death.
“For I have no pleasure in the death of him who dies,” says the Lord Yahweh. “Therefore, turn yourselves, and live.”
Ezekiel 18:32
The deaths of Ananias and Saphirra served as a reminder to the early Church that God has perfect holy wrath for all sin. This tragic story served to help the people to remain faithful to Him and to their calling. It was a reminder that coveting the things of this world always leads to the loving discipline of God.
Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.
Acts 5:11
When we covet anything, it is a rebellious expression that God is simply not enough.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6
As a child of God, find your perfect peace and contentment in Him alone.
I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself.
Philippians 4:11
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Statement of Faith
