Reading
SAA Notes
This account of Ananias and Sapphira comes at the same place in the history of the early Church as the account of Achan in the entry of Israel into the Promised Land. What lessons can you learn from this incident?
SJA Notes
* Dear Lord God, please aright our hearts today, that we would be people who speak truth and not lies.
“… Sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Ananias and Sapphira seem to have acted after news of another disciple made a selfless act (and it became known).
When we see brothers and sisters serving the Lord with humility and generosity of spirit (without thought of return) – What is our response? What are our thoughts?
Are we encouraged?
Is there perhaps any part of us that holds back? Any spiritual-scrooge-ism or jealous behaviour that mars and blackens our own service to God?
This passage is both an encouragement and a challenge and exhortation to us.
What is the reality of our service?
Is it true religion that binds up and drives our hearts?
Are our decisions made with the pursuit of holiness in mind, to see our Lord Jesus – Or instead are we falling into the same temptation that Ananias and Sapphire did?
* Great Lord God,
Please save us. Save us unto good works, to glorify Your Name.
May our lives be living sacrifices, lifted up to You in holy and reverent fear.
Mark us as faithful servants, Your people Lord.
Amen.