Acts__5
Scripture: Acts 5:1-2 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Observation-What does it say? I read in a bible my friend had brought from Hawaii, called the Pidgin translation, the book of Acts was titled “The things the apostles done.” I liked this title, because it brought the book down to a more human level. Chapter five is after pentecost, when the group of believers, and the apostles specifically, were living together communally. People were constantly giving up their possessions so that no one was left needing anything. However, Ananias and his wife brought forth their gift not as a means of humbly providing for others, but as a way of gaining notoriety for their generosity. Their consequence for trying to deceive God was death.
Understanding-What does it mean? One of the hardest things I have ever been through was the police academy. It required me to be fully committed to a lifestyle change, one that I was not ready for. I had to learn new skills, like shining my shoes and cleaning a firearm. I had to learn what seemed like a new language in the types of codes and legal jargon that is common with the profession. And I had to get it all done perfect, or the academy staff would assign me “education memos” which were due the next day. Once I got home, I would try to shine my shoes, iron my uniform, study my text book and finish 1000 word hand-written memos. This would carry me so late into the night, that I had to continue standing while writing in fear of falling asleep and making a mistake.
I was so overwhelmed with the work, and the level of commitment which was required of me, that I cried myself to sleep a lot of nights, and in the morning I would tell myself, “Today is the day I’m going to quit,” as I got into the car and drove to the academy. And then, at some point several months into the process, it got easier without me noticing. I began to enjoy the shoe shining and the ironing. I made fewer mistakes on my memos and found myself with spare time that I was able to use to exercise more or study more. I got better sleep. And eventually, I graduated and the life changing event was all over.
Christianity, even more than the academy, is a fully encompassing thing. It’s a life in which there are no short cuts. It requires complete devotion. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus tells us that the gate to life is narrow and few will find it. In Matthew 19, Jesus tells us it is easier to thread a needle with a camel than for the rich to find heaven. In Luke 14, we learn that we need to disown our family in order to become His disciples. There is verse after verse telling us of the perils of following after Jesus.
In all honesty, I can relate to Ananias more often than I care to admit. With my mouth I say I have given my life to Jesus, but in my heart I hold back. I worry about my finances, I fear the future, and I am jealous of all the material things I don’t have. Thankfully, Jesus’ grace is deeper and wider than any ocean. Jesus also tells us that his yoke is easy and our burden light when we trust in him (Matthew 11:28-30). God promises to protect us (Isaiah 43:1-2), He provides a way out when we are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13), and He loved us enough to sacrifice His son for us. So even though life can be overwhelming, and hard to truly commit to a life with Jesus, God provides for us through the Holy Spirit.
Life Application: Jesus, I struggle with myself. I know what I am supposed to do to be committed to you, but I have a hard time following through. I sin in areas that I shouldn’t, and I try to tell you I love you, but I miss the mark. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your new mercy today. Grant me the grace to trust you today, and I will let tomorrow handle itself.
-Tyler Galloway