Tough Vereses

Todays Bible Reading is a tough one...I will take the entire entry to chat about it.

Today's Bible Reading Acts Chapter 5

This chapter starts out with a punch in the gut.....At first glance it appears that God killed a husband and wife because they told a little lie. Here is a little background on these curious events. The First Church was coming alive in very difficult economic, political and religious times. Christians were being persecuted and many times were not allowed to have basic needs met because of their faith in Christ. The first church vowed to come together as one Fellowship or Team. They each made vows that they would serve, love and help the others in the Church so that none went with out basic needs met. Chapter 4 tells us they were of one heart and mind and each made a promise to do what they could to help each other.

No one was forced to do anything....the selling and giving of property was a choice a church member could make or not. However, once you made the commitment to give a certain amount from your resources...the Apostles took that as a real oath and promise. From that they would make plans to make sure people in the church were taken care of. So why was their judgment so harsh?

They made a vow and purposefully did not keep it so that they could have more for themselves. Notice....the issue is not that they did not give....it is that they made a public vow to honor God and give a certain portion. They lied, were greedy and did not follow through on a value of fellowship as they said they would. People were counting on their commitment. Most likely this couple had benefited from this arrangement. The money was there....they just decided to act in a selfish and deceitful way.

God takes serious our vows that we make. He takes series the concept of fellowship and team....that once you make a commitment to a group of people...you follow through to the best of your ability. If you are enjoying the fruits of the system and promise to keep your end of the bargain.....God expects you will do it. Also, notice that Peter tells them, you have not lied to men....but to God. Character is the focus here, not money.

This idea of personal character and responsibility is missing in our culture and is a glaring weakness in our many of our politicians. People make promises and don't keep them if keeping a promise does not help them personally. We say one thing and do another if it seems better for us. I would agree that this story of Ananias and Sapphira is tough.....however, verse 11 says that after this event....the whole church was seized with great awe and respect for God and the concept of how church really is to function. Sometimes it takes tough discipline to make us change and be the person we need to be......

The rest of the chapter once again shows us that many times as a Christian and as a church we can do great things (verses 12-16) and still have hard times. Peter and crew were thrown in jail. However, in the midst of the hard times, God uses their faith to continue to reach people and advance the good news of salvation. Why? In verse 38-42 it says....because if what they are doing is from God and the people doing it are honoring God...then God will make sure it accomplishes His will. It will not fail!