Edoxus 23-24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

Acts 5:1-11

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together 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.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Sin, yes even a "little" lie, demands a very high price. Especially when one tries to pull a fast one on God. And this didn't happen in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit had come and they were supposed to be "living under grace" right? What would my church look like if something like this happened? Just a thought.

How do I balance my fear and awe of The Holy God with the Abba Father who has adpoted me into His family? I don't want to be disrespectfully caviler or casual. Yet, like a little kid, I want to feel the freedom and security of figuratively crawling up on my daddy's lap crying for Him to help clean me up after I've been out playing in the mud.

I know there have been times when I've tried to run from or hide things from God. And like many, I've made committment to God and failed to keep them. Why didn't I face the same fate as Ananias and Sapphira? I deserve to be struck down just as much as they were. I so want to be able to say, "Lord, I am all Yours." Little by little I think I'm getting closer. But I keep finding more of me that I've held back.