Saturday 25 June, 2016
Sapphira had a chance. Peter asks her point-blank “Is this the full price of the land?’ She had one last opportunity to come clean and say “we lied” and she chose to reject it. This is a frightening story and harrowing reminder that God is not to be trifled with; that lying to the Holy Spirit is something that we should never do. It brings to mind the verse in Matthew 5:37 where Jesus says “Simply let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’, no. Anything else is of the evil one”. How true is that?!
But even in the depths of sin there is hope. I am blown away by the grace and mercy of God. Even in the face of the darkness of Sapphira’s heart and the blatant conspiracy with her husband, God offers her one last chance. I have no doubt that forgiveness could have flooded Sapphira’s heart and she would have been spared the same fate as her husband had she accepted this final gift of mercy.
Oh Lord, have mercy on this wicked heart of mine.
Forgive me of my lies and help me let my ‘yes’ be yes and my ‘no’ be no. May my life forever be testament to your incredible ‘last-chance’ mercy. Amen
Written by Boudy VanNoppen
Our God is slow to anger and abounding in love … not wanting anyone to perish. Thanks B, it’s so good to start another day, one that will inevitably be imperfect, knowing Gods grace is covering my life – helping me serve him in love but covering my weakness and humanity.
Amen Lord! Let a vision of you be our sole focus to please