Acts 5:3-6 - Knowing Him, in Truth
Scripture:
Acts 5:3-6
3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?
4 "While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."
5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.
6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.
NASU
NASU
Thoughts:
Peter pronounces the judgment against Ananias for his sin.
While this scene is extreme, this is a form of God's discipline (if Ananias is a Christian) or judgment. I'm so glad that God doesn't do it this way, normally! Our churches would be much smaller!!
It does show how serious this matter is, however. It's so easy to get lost in the concept of God's grace, and forget that He is holy, righteous, and powerful. We want to make Him so approachable and cuddly, that we divorce some of His attributes that don't fit this picture as well. But when we do this, we no longer have a true picture of God, but have made an idol. Anything less than who He is, is not Him.
Prayer:
Lord. let my thoughts about You be developed from the scriptures. Let me see You as You've revealed Yourself. I want to walk with You, not my own imaginations of how You are.
Thank You that I have come to know You as Savior, Lord, and friend. I don't deserve this gift. Thank You, Lord.
Amen
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