Acts 5
To understand the account of Ananias and
Sapphira, we need to go back a few verses into chapter 4 and read about a man
named Joseph. Joseph was one of the
early Christians who sold some of his property in order to care for the poor
and needy of the Church. His generosity
and work with the Apostles gained him a new name; “Barnabas,” they called him,
which means, “Son of Encouragement.” Nice
nickname!
People are often drawn to outward titles
and honors. We almost always want to be
seen when we do good, or at least thanked.
This recognition is likely what moved Ananias and Sapphira to lie about
the price they sold their land for and the percentage that they donated. The problem was not that they held some of
the money back. Their sin was that they
lied and said that they had given the whole sale price.
Why would someone do that? The most obvious reason is that they wanted
recognition, to be seen as good, kind, generous benefactors of God’s people –
perhaps even of God Himself. They wanted
the glory and gratitude that sometimes follows good deeds.
Contrast Ananias and Sapphira’s actions
with the Apostles’ after they had been beaten for preaching the Gospel. Luke records that they rejoiced that they had
been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name’s sake.
For many years in most of Western
Culture the Church has held an honored position. Pastors were called “reverend” and held in
high regard by the community at large.
It was considered shameful to not go to church. This is no longer the case. Instead Christians are often viewed as bigoted
homophobic relics with little to no value for the present … unless there is a
crisis; then often people will turn to the Church seeking answers. How we feel
about this switch will have much to do with how we compare to Ananias and
Sapphira or the Apostles.
We have been called to be God’s people
today. Friend, that means we have been
counted worthy through Jesus’ death and resurrection to suffer in our own way
for the same of Jesus’ name. It is a
privilege.
Lord Jesus, increase my faith that I may
gladly bear with any injustice, suffering, or dishonor that comes for being
Your follower. Amen.
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