Lent 2009 – 8 Steps to the Cross

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? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”  (Ac 5:1-4)

As we grow so near to the cross that the reality of Passion week becomes undeniable, we are reminded of the fundamental truths of the God that we serve. Just as Peter witnessed, the presence of God in the person of the Holy Spirit is immediate and real. We practice self deceit, as Ananias did in thinking that he could get away with his lie, keeping his actions to himself. Sadly, our interpretation of human relationships often colors how we view God. If we can pull the wool over the eyes of other people, we tend to think that we can fool God as well. The truth, of course, is far, far different. The Spirit knows our intimate thoughts and actions and his conviction works internally, with possible deadly results, as Ananias and his wife were soon to discover.