Don’t go this way without knowing the risks

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Bern Leckie answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

I love that in the earliest days of the church, people were amazed by the work of the Holy Spirit. It was like Jesus was not only among them, but that his followers were his arms, legs and body. You could look at that body of believers and see Jesus, almost in the flesh.

I think this is important to bear in mind when the scary stuff starts happening in this passage. It’s a new life that Jesus called followers into, in which the Spirit would flow through them and people could know God, and no-one had to earn their place by being good. Everyone had turned to Jesus for forgiveness and grace. That much is free, but Jesus never said there was no cost to being a follower. Bringing their whole selves, expecting massive personal change and possibly physical risk, as Jesus had suffered, were all part of the package.

I always find the cautionary tale of Ananias and Sapphira to be sobering. It makes me double check – when Jesus told that one guy to sell all his stuff, do we have to as well? Not according to this, or the rest of Acts. People pooled possessions freely, but were not forced, and many carried on businesses or offered hospitality from their own homes. Ananias and Sapphira were not punished for keeping stuff, but for lying about it. But it’s so severe! Why?

The way I read the story, Peter didn’t decide they should die and kill them. He confronted Ananias with his sin and God did the rest. Maybe Peter was shocked, maybe not, but he must have known what to expect when Sapphira joined her husband in the lie. I don’t know about you, but I’m shocked! Is that what we should expect too? (How do I need to correct things!?)

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

This story doesn’t draw a line to connect us with Ananias and Sapphira. But it does remind me that God is holy and, just as people in the Old Testament were warned they would die if they violated holy ground, when God acts in total purity and light, there is no room for darkness. This is definitely a warning to us not to lie to God, but also maybe a prompt for us not to kid ourselves that we are holier than we are. Do we want God to be seen working through us? Great! Then expect God to challenge and change us, and for us to feel the need for this.

The rest of this passage reminds me of how powerful and practical it is for God to work through people. It can bring healing, miracles, even efficient admin – hallelujah!

God also brings faithful followers into risk, as Jesus warned, maybe even prison or worse. This isn’t punishment for faith but a demonstration of how he made our lives and purposes far, far bigger than our comfort zones. What God can do with faithful people can change the world.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Reflect with God on whether he is prompting me to change anything and, if so, change it!

Who am I going to share this with?

My family and others I follow Jesus with. If there’s anyone I owe something to, them too!