In Acts, chapter 5, we learn of a certain man named Ananias and His wife Sapphira, who were struck dead by the hand of God. Though they claimed to be a part of the church and those that believed in Jesus Christ, their hearts were not for Him entirely. Because they were holding things back from God, God eventually had enough of their lying’s and deceits and therefore took their lives also. He saw no willingness to repent and do anything differently, so therefore, their lives were taken even at a young age. We learn in this chapter that their act of treason was because of money. Both this man and woman sold a possession that they had owned, but did so knowing that a portion could still be theirs in secret. No one would know but them, therefore they would have something to go back to if needed. However, God knows all things and made this known also to Peter. He was told from God that a portion of their money earned was withheld from the church and those that need it. Therefore, they were both confronted by Peter and God’s wrath was poured out upon them. God was not happy at all with their decisions and it all stemmed from how the church of God was setup in Acts 2:44-47. Those verses are below for you to read…
Acts 2:44-47 (KJV)
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to t
In the early church, the people of God were those that sold all their goods and gave everything they earned to the church and those in need. This showed their true faith and devotion to the Lord. Therefore, they had everything in common and nobody had more or less than what they needed. However, Ananias and Sapphira did not have those same desires and were therefore not like the people of God at all. Instead, they only gave a portion of their money to those in need and kept the rest for themselves. For this reason, God could see the deceitfulness in their hearts and all their lying’s before men. Please know that God does not tolerate liars and those that only go halfway for Him and His kingdom. And because of this, the body of the church needed to see these people as an example of how God feels, even if it is means people die in their sins. When it comes to dying premature, as some may think, please know that each one of us have our own ticking tocks. Just because one person dies at the age of 85, another person may die at 25. And when it comes to God, He has the power to take us at any moment. Therefore, we ought to repent, before that day comes.
When it comes to Ananias And Sapphira in Acts, chapter 5, God could see that their hearts were deceitful and to make a point of this to all believers, He struck them both dead. The church was growing at a rapid rate but people like them could cause a rift in the body of believers, so it was better to take them out, then to have them lead others astray, because of how they did things apart from God. And just because this happened in the church, over two thousand years ago, it does not mean that God can do the same today. It also doesn’t mean that people that continue to live apart from the Lord, and know very well what they are doing is wrong, that God will not take their lives as well. The Lord Jesus is our God and also our creator. He has the power to give life and to also take it. In Jobs words in chapter 1, verse 21, he said, “the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.” Though we are not asked today to give all our possessions to the church or those in need, the Lord still asks that we give our whole heart to Him and not willfully sin, but repent. And when we deny this, our lives may come to an end before we know it. The destination for that person is hell. Live for the Lord and do His will, and your destination will be heaven. Now, please read the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 below…
Acts 5:1-11 (KJV)
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will learn from the story of Ananias And Sapphira, in Acts, chapter 5, and not be found in a lie like they were and died for it. I know that You are the same God that judged these people in their deceits and found them guilty, and will do the same for anyone that wrongs you. For You, Lord, do not tolerate people that only want to go half way for Your kingdom. People that give a portion of what they have for You are not truly in it for Your glory but themselves. These are those that lie and deceive, and unfortunately lead others to do the same. This I what I call, Lord, wolves in sheep’s clothing, for they are not living for your sake at all. Please Lord, help those in the faith remember to give their whole hearts to You, that they may not become people like this as well. To some, It is a big ask for them to live their lives entirely for you, but I know that it is worth it. I’d rather do all I can for Your glory then to be lifted up in my own self. And Lord, those that are striving to live a life for You, help us to not fall victim to sin or lie to one another. I do not wish to die, knowing that I had lied to someone or fallen into sin, without repenting first. So please help me continue to abide in You, that I may not fall. And if I do, pick me back up and point me back in the right direction again. This I will confess my sins, that Your blood may cover me. My wish Lord, is to come home to You with honor. It is Your righteousness that I need in my life. That is what gives me strength. I love You Lord. Amen.
