John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

 

Yesterday, we took a look at the contrasting stories of Barnabas and Ananias and his wife, Sapphria. In both cases, God called them to sell their land and give the proceeds to the Church. Barnabas was obedient but Ananias and Sapphria were not.

 

Some will argue that Ananias and Sapphria did give the Church part of the sale of their land and God should be satisfied with their offering. However, that is not the case. When God commands us to do something, He expects us to obey totally.

 

God did not give part of His Son to die on the Cross of Calvary. He gave ALL of Him and He expects the same in return from us. The enemy plants thoughts in our minds of disobedience. I’m sure he told Ananias that God would not expect him to give everything to the Church. After all, God is happy with whatever we give Him, no matter how small the amount. This is the work of the enemy to destroy God’s children.

 

Remember the Words of Jesus when He said, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) There are only two sides in this life: good and evil; right and wrong.

 

Barnabas was obedient and did what was right. He did what God told him to do which was sell his land, move to Jerusalem, and give the money to the Church. Because Barnabas was obedient, God Blessed him and allowed him to minister with the great Apostle Paul, plant many churches, and see thousands of people come to Salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Barnabas lived the abundant life Jesus died for him to have.

 

God gave the same Word to Ananias, but the enemy infiltrated his mind and convinced him to only partially obey God. His choice to listen to the enemy rather than obey God cost him his life. It also cost his wife her life as well because she knew what her husband did. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphria his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the Apostles’ feet.

 

This is where we get our laws about being an accomplice to a crime. When you know someone is doing something wrong and you still help them or stand with them, you are as guilty as they are. Sapphria’s knowledge of her husband’s disobedience cost her life as well.

 

This is a lesson we all must learn. God gives us the opportunity to repent and seek forgiveness. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Repentance is a beautiful Gift of God. Take it. Ask Him for forgiveness and turn from your wicked ways. He will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

 

This lesson will……….turn the tide……….in people’s lives.

 

Lesson learned a long time ago,         Doreen

 

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