Devotionals for June 19, 2023
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READ
Acts 5:1-10
1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property.
2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.
4 The property was yours to sell or not to sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us but to God!”
5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified.
6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?”
“Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.”
9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.”
10 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
REFLECT
The account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts is well known in Christian circles. Many sermons and Sunday school lessons have been inspired by their sin as cautionary tales about lying to God and the body of Christ. Was keeping part of the money from their land sale their sin? No, it was approaching God in disingenuous obedience. Simply put, their hearts were not completely committed to obeying God. In the previous chapter, the believers were of one heart and mind in sharing all their possessions. Joseph of Cyprus sold a field and gave the money to the Apostles to care for the poor and needy.
It could have been that Ananias and Sapphira saw this selfless act and felt the need to do the same. Did God lead them into following in Joseph’s footsteps? We don’t really know, but either way, the couple took action for a seemingly good cause. Maybe they wanted to appear to be obedient. Maybe they made a promise to sell their land and give all to the Apostles. We don’t know the details. The only thing we know is that Ananias and Sapphira only wanted to appear to be in total commitment. The price they paid for their sin was heavy and immediate.
Fortunately, God was able to use this tragedy as a means of waking people up to not only His power but to shine a light on His mercy to man that was brought through Christ.
APPLY
Q: What does it mean to commit to something in your heart?
Q: How would a “half-hearted” commitment affect any relationship?
Q: We are called to be witnesses for Christ. What are ways we can unquestioningly demonstrate our commitment to God to those around us?
SING
“Every Little Prison” - Matt Maher
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Dear God, our Father, give us the strength and the will to be faithful to You and bring glory to Your name and Your kingdom. Help us to keep Your name above all others.
READ
Acts 5:1-10
1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property.
2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.
4 The property was yours to sell or not to sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us but to God!”
5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified.
6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?”
“Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.”
9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.”
10 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
REFLECT
The account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts is well known in Christian circles. Many sermons and Sunday school lessons have been inspired by their sin as cautionary tales about lying to God and the body of Christ. Was keeping part of the money from their land sale their sin? No, it was approaching God in disingenuous obedience. Simply put, their hearts were not completely committed to obeying God. In the previous chapter, the believers were of one heart and mind in sharing all their possessions. Joseph of Cyprus sold a field and gave the money to the Apostles to care for the poor and needy.
It could have been that Ananias and Sapphira saw this selfless act and felt the need to do the same. Did God lead them into following in Joseph’s footsteps? We don’t really know, but either way, the couple took action for a seemingly good cause. Maybe they wanted to appear to be obedient. Maybe they made a promise to sell their land and give all to the Apostles. We don’t know the details. The only thing we know is that Ananias and Sapphira only wanted to appear to be in total commitment. The price they paid for their sin was heavy and immediate.
Fortunately, God was able to use this tragedy as a means of waking people up to not only His power but to shine a light on His mercy to man that was brought through Christ.
APPLY
Q: What does it mean to commit to something in your heart?
Q: How would a “half-hearted” commitment affect any relationship?
Q: We are called to be witnesses for Christ. What are ways we can unquestioningly demonstrate our commitment to God to those around us?
SING
“Every Little Prison” - Matt Maher
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Dear God, our Father, give us the strength and the will to be faithful to You and bring glory to Your name and Your kingdom. Help us to keep Your name above all others.