THE GOD WHO SEES
“Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?” Acts 5:1-3 NIV
A story is given of a couple, Ananias and Sapphira who brought an offering to the Apostles as the first church was being established. People who had been moved by the Good News had sown their possessions to expand it to other places.
This couple wanted to be generous, except that their giving was hindered by their misguided intention. What they did not know is that God sees what no man can, searches the hearts and knows the intentions of all — even when man doesn’t. Their sin was not in withholding a portion of their property but in pretending to offer all, seeking honor from men while secretly deceiving God. They wanted the reputation of generosity without the sacrifice that true obedience requires.
Peter’s words pierce deeper than the surface: “You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” This was not merely dishonesty in a transaction; it was a direct assault against the holiness of the Spirit, as though God could be fooled by pretense. Our hearts can easily drift into similar places, seeking appearances over authenticity, treating the presence of God casually, and thinking our private compromises remain hidden. God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). He would rather a heart fully surrendered in honesty than an offering laced with pretense.
The death of Ananias and Sapphira was extreme, but it declares that the Spirit we serve is not to be trifled with. To walk with Him is to walk in integrity, for the eyes of the Lord see through every mask.
Child of God may it be said that we lived as those who fear the Lord not in trembling dread, but in reverence, knowing He is a consuming fire who purifies His people.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this lesson. I know that the heart is deceitful beyond comprehension, and I yield it to you to search and convict of any deception in it. It shall be said of my submission and service that it was wholehearted and giving glory to you, in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Psalm 51:6-10
• John 4:23-24
• Proverbs 12:22