For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Acts 5
What motivated Ananias and Sapphira to lie? Gamaliel was wise. He was possibly one of those among the Pharisees who secretly believed in Jesus. Gamaliel understood what it says in Psalm 127:1. “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” In other words, if God ain’t in it, it won’t stand. I suppose Ananias and Sapphira were something of an example of that. They, like the religious leaders, were trying to pass something done for personal gain off as something done for God. They didn’t stand. Really makes me want to check my motives to be certain I won’t be found opposing God.
Ex. 7-8
With the thought of, “if God ain’t in it, it won’t stand” fresh in my mind, I read here that Pharaoh’s magicians were able to duplicate the miracle of turning a staff into a snake. But guess what? God wasn’t in it. “Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs” (Ex. 7:12b). One more reinforcement that God will destroy every act of man that tries to stand in opposition to Him. Really, I don’t understand how there is a decision here. Choose God and live, or oppose Him and die. And when I say “live” and “die” here, I mean both to their fullest extent.
Ps. 13
What long term issue have you struggled with? Pray this psalm over that issue. We sure love some instant gratification, don’t we? And sometimes God does some pretty on-the-spot stuff (refer to the Ananias and Sapphira story we just read!). But more often than not He bides His time. The Israelite’s redemption from Egypt is a great example of that one.
The fact is, we see patience, long-suffering, endurance and the like as a recurring theme throughout scripture. There is a reason for that. Likely several reasons. Part of it is that it keeps us mindful of our reliance on God. Another is that it builds our trust. There really isn’t any need for trust if there is never any cause for doubt. Delay gives us plenty of cause for doubt. Trust becomes trust when you look that doubt in the face and declare, “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Ps. 13:5-6).