“Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.” ~ Acts 5:5
REFERENCE:
Acts 5:1-11
There is a side of God that this generation has lost sight of and even makes a mockery of; it is the judgment side of God. In his epistle, Peter said, “Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” However, according to His will, sin will receive definite judgment at the right time.
Scripture reveals that the definite judgment for sin is death; it may sound unpopular, but something dies every time we sin; and because of sin, the unsaved are damned to hell. Ananias and Sapphira would never have thought their sin would receive such a definite judgment. As sad as the story is, it calls readers to be mindful of the consequences of sin.
This judgment produced a holy fear and reverence for God in the church; the next thing we hear about the church is that signs and wonders broke out amongst them. That happens when a church hates sin and loves God passionately. What else do we learn from the story?
a. It may delay, but judgment will eventually come. God will judge every work (Ecc. 12:14).
b. In the day of judgment, all hypocrites and hypocrisy will be exposed (Hebrews 4:13).
c. Judgment is only pronounced once the opportunity for repentance is given (Acts 5:8).
d. Judgment upon one or two often is mercy to the many. This judgment spared the others.
e. God’s judgment of sin should cause a healthy fear of the Lord in the heart of all (Phil 2:12).
f. There are limits to God’s forbearance; He will not always strive with sinners (Gen. 6:3).
Satan’s big lie to this generation is, “God understands.” Many people, even believers, commit all sorts of evils and are hypocrites, believing that God will wink and overlook them. Sin always invites God’s definite judgment, which can take any form and come at anytime. So, refuse to let sin rule over you; present your body as an instrument of righteousness to God.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Ecclesiastes 12:14, Hebrews 4:13, and Isaiah 1:16-19
PRAYER:
+ Lord, I understand that You are a just God, and You will judge sin. I believe, however, that with You is forgiveness. So, I ask for forgiveness for my shortcomings and receive the grace of the Holy Spirit to live a life that pleases and honors God, in Jesus’ name.
