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The Feet of the Men are at the Door


 

As the New Testament church was beginning to grow, we find that the brethren were mindful of the needs of others. Luke records for us, “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brough the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostle’s feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” (Acts 4:34-35)

During these days, we read of Ananias and his wife Sapphira who sold a possession. Ananias kept back part of the proceeds for himself and laid the remaining amount at the apostle’s feet. Sapphira was aware of her husband’s actions.

Peter responded to Ananias, “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4) Because he sinned, Ananias fell down and breathed his last.

About three hours later, Sapphira comes before the apostles looking for her husband. Peter asks her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” (vs. 8) She confirms the amount. Peter said, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” (Acts 5:9) Sapphira then fell down and breathed her last.

“The feet of the men are at the door” are some mind sobering words that we need to learn from. First, there is the lesson of pride. Both Ananias and Sapphira wanted to look good in the eyes of the people. They wanted others to believe they were giving the full proceeds from the sale to the apostles. That proverbial pat on the back meant more to them the honesty and integrity.

Second, there is the lesson of undermining sin. Too often people look at certain sins and believe it won’t hurt anybody. Therefore, they run full steam ahead toward the sin and end in complete disaster. We must remember that any sin, no matter how we may classify them, will separate us from our God.

Last, this lesson warns us against lying. “Oh, it is just a little white lie”, many claim. There are many who would say that their lie was just a white lie. However, we learn that God does not care what color we attribute to the lie. A lying tongue will always be an abomination to Him. Therefore, we must always be truthful in all our ways.

The lives of Ananias and Sapphira ended in tragedy. The only way to make this story worse, is by failing to learn from their example. May that never be.

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks

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