GOD’S WORD FOR JANUARY 8

Our  book this month  is a continuation of “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand ~ Lessons From the Life of Peter,” by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

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THE TRACE OF HIS SHADOW

(Read Acts 3:1-10;  5:1-11;  8:14-24;   ad 10:44-48)

When the Holy Spirit came upon the Christian community, there was a spontaneous outpouring of generosity.  “For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need.”

This money was used for the apostles’ living expenses; also the widows and physically destitute would be given money according to their need.  Participation was entirely voluntary; there was no stipulated amount to give. Some, like Barnabas, gave great sacrifices simply because they felt privileged to have a part in the growing revival movement.  Understandably, those who sold their possessions and gave the money to the apostles were held in high esteem.  Those who wanted to keep their property were free to do so.

Ananias and his wife Sapphira wanted to share in the gratitude that came to the generous.  They had heard how the people talked about the devotion of the likes of Barnabas and thought they would also like to be held in high regard.  They also, however, wanted to keep some of the money for themselves.  So they sold a piece of property and kept back some of the price.:  This was their right to do, of course.

What made their actions evil was not that they kept some of the money, but that they left the distinct IMPRESSION that they were giving all of their money to the apostles.  Let’s say they sold their land for $1,000, but gave only $500 to the apostles.  They gave the impression that the amount bequeathed to the leaders of the church was the total sale price of their land.  It was, in effect, a “little white lie.”

But God knew the whole truth and communicated this to Peter, who said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy spirit, and to keep some of the price of the land?  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.”  Ananias then died at the hand of God, and moments later when his wife came through the door, she also died, after answering the same questions.

This penalty was severe, but God was impressing upon the hearts of the early church that

1.all lies are directed against Him, and only in a secondary sense against people.  After all, the Lord is the supreme lawgiver in the universe and it is HIS LAWS that are violated when we are untruthful.

2. We should not trifle with the truth when serving God, or any other time,  The reaction of the church to this immediate judgment was quite proper:  “Great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard these things.”

3. Satan was revealed to be a liar, and the author of lies.  He injected these thoughts into this couple’s minds without their being aware of it.  They thought that this deception was just their own idea, and that’s why they were not frightened by the decision to be dishonest.  But God took their hypocrisy seriously and used the as a powerful lesson for us all.

Yes, sometimes Peter’s shadow was a healing touch, but it could also be a stinging rebuke.  Not all of our influence needs to be encouraging in order for it to be effective. 

Sometimes we must point out sin and be hated for it.  Our goal, of course, is the restoration of God’s children to fellowship with the Almighty and fellowship with others.  Not everyone will respond, yet such difficult assignments are also part of our responsibility and influence.

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Genesis 22:18

And in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.

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Genesis 26:5

because Abraham obeyed Me and fulfilled his duty to Me, and kept My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.

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Exodus 19:5

Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;

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Psalm 15:2

One who walks with integrity, practices righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.

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Psalm 25:5

Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.

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Psalm 25:10

All the paths of the Lord are faithfulness and truth To those who comply with His covenant and His testimonies.

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Psalm 51:6

Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in secret You will make wisdom known to me.

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