Married Conspiracy

Married Conspiracy

Isaiah 29:15 Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the Lord, who do their work in darkness and think, “Who sees us? Who will know?” (NIV)

               The early Christians were on one accord and followed the teachings of the apostles. They shared with those who were less fortunate and met the needs of those who were without within their midst. The apostles taught about the resurrection of Jesus and the people gave what they had. This was not for the personal gain of the apostles, but for others. Acts 4:34-35 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. (NIV) The people freely sold some of their possessions and gave the money that was made to the needy. As a result of their free-will giving, there was no one, any longer, who had a need in their midst. 

               One of the couples who promised to sell their property for that cause was a man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira. They sold a piece of property that they owned, but prior to giving the money to the apostle, Peter, they decided to keep a portion of it for themselves and then lie about what they had received. Therefore, they conspired to lie not only to the apostle, but to Jehovah El Roi. However, Jehovah El Roi sees and had told Peter what the couple had done. Acts 5:3 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?” (NIV) The property already belonged to them and they were not obligated to sell it or give away any of the proceeds…that was UNTIL they made a vow to do it unto God. When one makes a vow to God, you are required at that point to keep it. Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 ⁽⁴⁾When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. ⁽⁵⁾It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. ⁽⁶⁾Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? ⁽⁷⁾Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God. (NIV)

               Peter let Ananias know that what he had done was against the Holy Spirit. After being rebuked by Peter, Ananias fell dead. After some time had past, his wife, not knowing what happened came to look for her husband. Peter asked Sapphira if the money that he had received was the full price for what they had received for the property. At this moment, she had the opportunity to tell the truth. Nevertheless, she stuck to the lie that she and her husband had conspired to tell. As a result of thinking that they could fool Jehovah El Roi, she too fell dead and was buried by her husband. Acts 5:10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. (NIV) As we see from this story, there is nothing that can be hidden from Jehovah El Roi.

               We must be careful to do what is right in the sight of Jehovah El Roi for no conspiracy will go unnoticed. He knows the thoughts and deeds of man; therefore, no one can pull the wool over His eyes. He sees all, He knows all, and will judge all. Jehovah pays that much attention to His children because He cares and loves us. We are his creation and because He created us, nothing will ever go unnoticed in His sight.