|
"Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.' When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him."
(Acts 4:36-5:6)
This is a rather sad passage, but there are important lessons for us in it.
As I look at the tapestry, I see some people running out, and some have fear on their faces. I see others offering their own sacrifices. But front and center, we see Ananias falling down dead. The men around him look confused, scared, angry, and shocked. I think in reality, most people there probably felt all of these emotions at once and more.
What is your reaction to this passage? Perhaps it is actually quite similar. When you hear of God's wrath toward Ananias played out by striking him dead for lying, perhaps you too feel confused, angry, scared, or shocked.
I think more than most other attributes of God, His holy wrath is most often ignored by modern Christians. It may be something that we are uncomfortable with. I understand this feeling, but I would contend that if we feel uncomfortable about the wrath of God, then we likely do not fully understand it. God's wrath is not His "bad side". It's not the opposite of God's love, like some sort of yin and yang. God has wrath toward sin because sin is an offense to His holiness and a terrible danger to us. God's wrath is not the opposite of His love; God has wrath because God is love.
Furthermore, this passage shows me that while generosity is good, integrity is even better. Ananias and Sapphira were very generous to give a portion of their profits to the apostles. Their sin was not in keeping some of the profits for themselves. Peter's response to them was clear that they had every right to do with the land and its profits as they willed. Their sin was that they lied about it. They attempted to deceive by making it seem that they had given it all when really they had only given part of the profits. This teaches us that the Lord is far more concerned with the integrity and honesty of our hearts than the outward appearance we may put on for others to see. Have you ever tried to make yourself seem "holier" or "better" to gain the approval or admiration of others? It reminds me of the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:1: "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."
Let us be honest in our words and actions, upholding the integrity that befits followers of Christ.
|
Apple
Spotify
Stitcher
YouTube
