“HE FELL DOWN AND BREATHED HIS LAST!”

Acts 5:1-6                                          (ESV)

Ananias and Sapphira

“[1] But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, [2] and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. [3] But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the HOLY SPIRIT and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? [4] While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man BUT TO GOD.” [5] When Ananias heard these words, “HE FELL DOWN AND BREATHED HIS LAST”. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. [6] The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.”

When we THINK we know more than the HOLY SPIRIT, the third person of the TRINITY, we are in VERY dangerous territory.  Ananias and Sapphira THOUGHT they could withhold some of the BLESSINGS they received from selling a piece of property, but according to Psalms 24:1 “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein…”!   GOD not only knew the amount of land sold and how much was paid for it, HE knew the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira who were trying to make sure that they were taken care of instead of trusting GOD for their sustenance.  

In Acts 4:34-35 it is recorded “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”  GOD didn’t need the resources to provide for HIS CHOSEN.  Hebrews 11:6 says “And WITHOUT FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM, for whoever would draw near to GOD must believe that HE exists and that HE rewards those who seek HIM.”

When we choose to depend on our own wisdom and resources, we are in serious peril.  For Ananias (and Sapphira in Acts 5:10) chose to trust in worldly possessions over the ONE WHO owns everything, they saw IMMEDIATELY the results of that decision, “HE FELL DOWN AND BREATHED HIS LAST”!  Isaiah 42:5 says GOD “gives breath” to the people of the earth.  

FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause YOUR servant to never lose sight of where my breath comes from.  One day it will probably be said of me that “HE FELL DOWN AND BREATHED HIS LAST”, but may it be when my tasks for YOU are completed and YOU are ready for me to come HOME!!!