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 DEVOTION

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

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Acts 5:1-11

5:1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. 3 Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price." 9 Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

NIV

What a sad story to include in the Acts of the Apostles, except that it does demonstrate two truths. First, the sadness of the kind of thinking of Ananias and Sapphira. Selling their land was a good idea because the proceeds were intended for the church's general fund, so those in need could be helped. However, they could also have told the Apostles they had sold the land for 100 and had decided to give 80 of it to the church. That would have been truthful, and all would have been well. But they were deceptive about the money they received for their land, lying to the Holy Spirit. It cost them both their lives. That was harsh, but it does show that truthfulness is the way of life for believers. Why would we lie about how much money we have, or about how much we give in our tithe or offerings? Why are we so deceptive about how much wealth we have? True, it is nobody's business how much or how little we have, as most people, if not all, are guarded about their money. Our giving is recorded for several reasons. Some churches develop a budget based on the average yearly income from Tithes and offerings. Some churches require monthly reports sent to districts. Then, yearly statements are sent to each giver for tax reasons. But to lie about money was the offense that cost Ananias and Sapphira. The second truth is how Peter knew about the deception. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit. This is one of those gifts of the Spirit, labeled "discernment," or it could have been a "Word of knowledge". However, Peter became aware through the Spirit's revelation that both Ananias and Sapphira were being deceptive. We should learn to depend more on the Spirit, who leads us into all truth. It would be to our advantage as believers to listen carefully to the Spirit before making any decisions, including those concerning our church and personal affairs. When both Ananias and Sapphira were searched by the Lord and struck down, great fear seized the whole church. Surely, we should not live seized with great fear of the Lord, but at the same time, we should not take his grace for granted. The Lord is due our respect and our devotion. He is due all our thanks and praise. He is due all we have, if he should require it, for everything we have has come from his hand. Let us live humbly before our Lord, seeking his leadership, listening to his voice, with the knowledge that he knows our hearts.  We ask the same as David did, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."