| I Kings 2:1-3:2; Acts 5:1-42; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 16:25
“But a man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property. However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostle’s feet. Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field? Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God! When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out and buried him. There was an interval of about three hours; then his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ‘Tell me,’ Peter asked her, ‘did you sell the field for this price?’ ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘for that price.’ Then Peter said to her, ‘why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!'” (Acts 5:1-9)
God isn’t Santa Claus, He’s not a waiter, and He’s not a wimpy little yes-man, He is God! In the above scenario Ananias and Sapphira had no reason to lie about the money they made and what they were presenting to the Lord, yet they did. God wants you to do what is in your heart and to be obedient out of a willing heart. Remember, He knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts, there is no need to lie. There is no need to impress others or to succumb to peer pressure. Be real, be who you are and above all understand that God is everywhere, He knows everything and can do anything. Reverence and respect the Lord for who He is. Don’t count His long-suffering as a free pass for sin or His kindness for weakness. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, despite the grace and mercy that He exhibits He is still a royal, holy King worthy of all of our loyalty, respect and healthy fear.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for ever forgetting that You are God, the creator, master and sustainer of the universe. I pray that I will not treat You as common. I don’t want to disrespect You with the wrong attitude. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. |
