The Long and Short of Things
“But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.” Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things. The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him. About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in. Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter asked her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” She fell down immediately at his feet, and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.” (Acts 5:3-11 WEB)
When God killed Ananias and Sapphira, He was being merciful to them.
The couple were most likely sent in undercover by the chief priests and elders to spy on the church and sabotage it from within.
As wicked unbelievers, imagine all the sins they would have committed if they lived a long life—filling up the cup of God’s wrath against them for their sins.
Isn’t it assuring to know that God protects His children and takes their side?
God doesn’t kill people personally very often in the Bible.
I believe that when He does so, in His foreknowledge, He already knew that the person(s) He wants to make an example of will never believe in Jesus (Yahweh) no matter what He does.
So by striking them down, God is doing them a huge favor by lightening the sentence of condemnation they will receive at the Great White Throne Judgment by cutting short the time they have to commit sins in their lifetime.
Other examples of people that God killed: The wicked generations in Noah’s time, Sodom and Gomorrah were consumed by fire from Heaven, Pharaoh and his armies were drowned in the Red Sea, as well as King Herod who was struck down by an angel when he didn’t give glory to God when the crowds exalted him as a god.
All these wicked sinners received mercy by dying prematurely. God is so merciful and wise. He views things from an eternal perspective, not like us who only think about this mortal lifetime.
On the other hand, when believers live long lives, this is good for them because every day is an opportunity to heap up eternal rewards for themselves by walking in love, just as Jesus commanded us to do.
For believers, it is gracious for God to give them long lives. Even if their lives are filled with suffering and persecution, that’s great too because all those are perfect for growing in character and healing up eternal rewards as well.
It’s only when we receive teachings about the rewards of persecution that we can rejoice in them.
Count it joy and glory when Jesus deems you worthy to suffer for His name’s sake. It is a great opportunity for you.
Do not fear because He is still with you in your sufferings, and will surely deliver you at the perfect timing after you’ve received every benefit from the fiery trial.
Little sheep, in my book “Sandcastles Don’t Last Forever” you will learn more about the great eternal rewards that await you in the Millennium, the judgment process, how you can fulfill your calling in life and maximize your rewards. I can’t wait for you to be so blessed by the revelations within ===>
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#Mercy #Grace
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