Joshua 1:8
"...[B]ut you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8).
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39).
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13).
I'm a little confused on the last part... They were convinced by him yet they still had them flogged to reinforce the warning? And then rejoiced due to their worthiness to suffer? Can you clarify this picture for me?
ReplyDeleteThe first part - it seemed to build upon a past sermon. While Sapphira and Ananias did not necessarily have to give all of their proceeds from the sale of their land, the fault was in their deception and lie about giving all of the proceeds. They do really exemplify human nature though - it is hard for us to get rid of physical property, even though it is such a temporary thing and is of little importance.
Sorry, I should have responded to this yesterday but I allowed the day to get away from me.
ReplyDeleteThe council agreed with Theudas yet made it painfully obvious to the disciples that they didn't approve by flogging them - definitely a bunch of hypocrites. But remember, these are the same men that continually tried Jesus and despite their failed attempts to find anything wrong (and Jesus' amazing works and teaching), they still would not cease until He had been crucified. His blood was on their hands and they knew it!
As for the Apostles rejoicing for the mere fact of being persecuted for Jesus' sake, this is no doubt the work of the Spirit. If you recall, Jesus told them that the world hates Him and those that live in Him will suffer just as He suffered but to take heart, for He has overcome the world. The Apostles were living this out. It's a sobering message - are we willing to live for and profess the name of Jesus, no matter what?
Annanias and Saphira are a perfect example of what Pastor Daniel Fusco spoke about a couple weeks ago. We live under Grace and owe everything to God. Nobody commanded them to sell their property. It seems as if they did so just to gain approval. Obviously their hearts weren't in it if they only gave a portion and then lied about it. When I read this it brought to mind when Jesus said, When you give, do so in such a manner in which you're right hand doesn't know what you're left hand is doing.
Is the Spirit convicting you at all about giving? Let's talk more about this this weekend...