Today I read for part of my devotion Acts 5:1-11, the story of Ananias and Sapphira and how they sold their land and withheld some form the disciples. I was struck by this as always. Why would God do this to these two people?
Ananias did not eve say a word to Peter and was struck dead for not giving all to the collective, because we heard just before this that Joseph sold a field and gave all the money to the disciples, because they had all things in common. But Ananias and Sapphire schemed and kept part of the profit. If Sapphire had not lied to Peter would she not have been struck down? Ananias was convicted by Peter and struck down by the Holy Spirit, but Sapphire was asked if this was all. How is it that Peter knew Ananias was crooked but was not sure if Sapphire was in on it, or was he just giving her a second chance?
Also here we see the first use of the word church in verse 11. This is the collected body of believers, and those called out or separated from the world. They all were seized with great fear, because they were worried they would be struck down.
I wonder what is it that we are holding back from God that we think he does not know about? Is it our giving of money, or our giving of time? Do we hide things from those sitting next to us in the pew? Do we think when we go some where that God does not know, or we can hide it from the people we worship with? God knows everything and goes with you everywhere you go. But this is not something that should give us fear, but comfort. What is it we hide from ourselves, and others? Can it be redeemed by God to be used for his glory? Of course it can, the question is, “did you sell the land for such and such a price?” or “Are you willing to be honest with me and your self and acknowledge what God is doing right here, right now…
Are you willing?
aSacredRebel 