Ananias and Sapphira: Truthfulness in the early church

Have you ever told a lie before? Were you caught or you managed to escape with your lie? If given the opportunity to deal with the same situation, would you tell the truth or still tell a lie? All throughout our lives, we all experienced instances where we felt that it is better to get out of a situation with a “white lie” than to be confronted for our actions. Even little children who have not been taught by any adult about lies confidently lie about many things. Our fallen human nature,  if left alone, can present the worse version of ourselves. We daily need to draw closer to God and allow the Holy Spirit to help us in our human weaknesses. In the sight of God, no sin is without consequences. Therefore, before we speak a lie, we should ask ourselves, “what will Jesus do in the same situation?” In this post we shall consider a couple whose seemingly good intentions for the church coupled with a lie led to their death.

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.‭ (Acts 5:1-2)

In a previous post, I wrote on Ananias and his wife Sapphira in a series focusing on women in the Bible. The paragraph below was taken from the post published on July 20, 2023. You can read that post here.
“Ananias and his beloved wife Sapphira were members of the early church in Jerusalem. Their conversion might have come after the resurrection of Jesus or the arrival of the Holy Spirit. From all indications, this couple seem to be an active part of the church. The number of church members grew exponentially on the day of Pentecost. About three thousand new members were baptized on that day (Acts 2:41). Therefore it is possible to identify Ananias and Sapphira as active members of the church who might have been known by the apostles. Sapphira and her husband were probably inspired by Barnabas’ extraordinary giving (Acts 4:36-37). Therefore they also decided to sell their own property and support the ministry with the money from the sale. Whatever happened between the time the decision was made to sell the property to the actual sale of the property and the presentation of the money to the apostles is best known by God. The couple were successful in their sale but decided to do something about the money received.”

According to Acts 5:2, Ananias kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet with his wife’s full knowledge. They planned as a couple to lie to the apostles. Remember, this was their own property and they had every right to it before the sale and even after the sale. However, their intention to please men led to them giving out a property that they obviously didn’t want to. So after selling the property, this couple planned and orchestrated a lie: they kept part of the money and presented the rest as if that was all that was made from the sale. Who were they trying to please? The apostles, the congregation, those who had also donated or themselves? Whatever was their intention, their lie was caught and in a day this lively couple faced the consequences of their actions. When Peter confronted Ananias about his actions, Ananias fell down and died. His wife who was not aware of what had happened to the husband came in three hours later and instead of telling the truth she rather corroborated her husband’s lie. As a consequence, when she was also confronted, she fell down and died. In just a day, one “small lie” caused the death of two members of the church.

‭The result of this incident was that great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events (Acts 5:11). Ananias and Sapphira got an immediate punishment for their lie. We might not face similar punishment when we lie. However, we should know that there is surely a consequence for all sins including lies. In Revelation 22:15, we are informed that those who practice falsehood will face the wrath of God. They will not enter the restored Eden. No lie is too small to escape the eyes of God. We shouldn’t encourage any form of falsehood. Let our “yes” be “yes” and our”no” be “no”.

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

Easter Celebrations in the West have become  a funfair of bunnies and eggs. I read somewhere that the Easter bunny was reportedly introduced to America by the German immigrants who brought over their stories of an egg-laying hare. This German tradition is believed to date back to the 13th century. The Christian celebration of Easter has nothing to do with eggs and bunnies. Easter is the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most importantly, the significance of His death and resurrection is the salvation He brought to humanity. The blood shared on the cross cleansed our sins away. The death of Jesus also initiated us into the new covenant, where the curse of the law and the power of the old man was dealt with permanently. Now, “therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (‭2 Corinthians 5:17). The cross wasn’t an easy punishment for Jesus. The journey to the cross and the crucifixion itself were painful experiences.

The Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus, crucified Him between two thieves. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: “This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.‭” (Matthew 27:37). On the cross. Jesus was mocked, ridiculed and insulted. Jesus was even offered wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it (‭Matthew 27:34). As Jesus went through the pain of crucifixion, “those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” (‭Matthew 27:39-40). Even the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him. (Matthew 27:41-44). Jesus had to endure physical pain and emotional torture. His body was weak, blood gushed all over, yet even in His very painful state, the people had no pity on Him.

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). (‭Matthew 27:46)

As the people mocked and insulted Jesus in their ignorance, the powers of the heavens and the earth were shaken. Heaven was still. The Father’s own begotten Son, sinless and perfect hanged on a cross like a criminal. The atmosphere changed suddenly. Power was about to change hands. From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land (‭Matthew 27:45). A total eclipse caused by the very important assignment. Jesus was at the epicenter of His assignment, the religious leaders standing nearby couldn’t see the spiritual exchanges that were taking place. On the day of the crucifixion, about three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). That was the moment the Father took away His eyes from His Son. Jesus at the height of this darkened environment was an epitome of sin. He bore the sins of the whole world beginning with that of Adam in the Garden of Eden. Jesus became a curse (Deuteronomy 21:23) and He took the curse of the Law and nailed it on the cross.

The Father took His face away, as Jesus cried out, He felt the weight of sin and the punishment of sin. The Father loves the Son so much but at that moment, He took His face away so the Son can atone for the sins of all humanity. Imagine the price the Father paid for love: the death of His only begotten Son. Even in such a painful moment, some of those standing there after they heard the cry of Jesus said, “He’s calling Elijah.”‭ (Matthew 27:47). The people missed the bigger picture. One of those standing there ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink (maybe to ease Jesus’ pain). Yet, the rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” (‭Matthew 27:48-49). At that moment, Jesus cried out again in a loud voice and He gave up His spirit (‭Matthew 27:50). As soon As Jesus gave up the spirit, the environment responded again:
“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.” (‭Matthew 27:51-53).‬

The extraordinary events that characterized the crucifixion were visible to all. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (‭Matthew 27:54).

Indeed,  Jesus is the Son of God. He had to go through the pain of death to set us free. He was forsaken by His Father at the height of the crucifixion so that Jesus could take our place and take our curse. Easter is so important and significant. Celebrate the day with meaning and understanding. Help your children understand it too. No bunny or egg is involved in this salvation story. Jesus is the reason for the season.

The suffering servant (Part 10): He will have a portion among the great

Whenever a group of people collaborate to do a project or to build a business, the proceeds are divided among the members of the group depending on the amount of one’s investment and also how they were involved in the overall success of the project. In the same way, when someone employs another person for a task, the job contract spells out what the person will receive for performing the tasks assigned to them. The employee might not have invested into the project but performing assigned tasks and responsibilities qualifies the employee to enjoy “portions” of the firm. In Matthew 25:14-30, the parable of the bags of gold reminds us that it is important to become profitable even when employed by another person. To get a portion of the master’s possession, whatever is entrusted to you must yield profit. The unprofitable servant in Matthew 25 was thrown into the outer darkness where there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30).

Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great [kings and rulers], and He shall divide the spoil with the mighty, because He poured out His life unto death, and [He let Himself] be regarded as a criminal and be numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore [and took away] the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors (the rebellious).‭‭ (Isaiah 53:12 AMPC‬‬)

In the account of the suffering servant as recorded in Isaiah 53, we are told that the servant will have a portion among the great. This was after the servant had undergone all the pain, atrocities, insults and even death. Isaiah 53:12 state this: “Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great [kings and rulers], and He shall divide the spoil with the mighty, because He poured out His life unto death, and [He let Himself] be regarded as a criminal and be numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore [and took away] the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors (the rebellious).‭‭” (Isaiah 53:12 AMPC‬‬). The AMPC version explains further that the servant will have his portion with kings and rulers (the great) and he shall also divide the spoils with the mighty. This would be possible because the servant “poured out His life unto death and [He let Himself] be regarded as a criminal and be numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore [and took away] the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors (the rebellious).‭‭” The portion assigned to the servant was by merit of the sacrifice he did.

In the New Testament, Jesus quoted this verse when He was talking about Himself and the task ahead of Him. At the last supper with His disciples, Jesus poured His heart out to His disciples and informed them of what lies ahead of Him and them. In ‭‭Luke 22:37, Jesus said, “It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” Jesus knew that the suffering servant had to be numbered with transgressors (sinners, rebellious, wicked people etc.), yet He did not reject His task. Being in the image of God, He knew what He was about to face. None of the atrocities done to Him came as a surprise. He knew all men and nothing was hidden from Him. Yet, He boldly fulfilled His task without complaining and murmuring. He poured out His life unto death and in doing so, made intercession for transgressors.

Jesus had the power to refuse death, but He was humble and obedient even unto death. No wonder, He was assigned a portion with kings, rulers and the mighty. ‭‭Philippians 2:9-11 declares that, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The name Jesus is the name above all names because He has been exalted for fulfilling the task assigned to Him. In the same way, those who believe in Jesus and share in His suffering will also share in His glory (‭‭Romans 8:17).

The suffering servant (Part 7): His death and burial

Growing up in Ghana, it was very common to distinguish between the grave of the rich and that of the poor. In fact, some rich families go the extra mile to build monuments at the grave site of their loved ones. Thus, even in death, it was common then to distinguish between the rich and the poor. According to my mum, a few years ago, it was even common to bury people with expensive golden accessories like necklaces, bracelets and rings. Whatever these dead people needed these jewelry for, possibly was known to those who believed in that. Even the funeral and memorial services for the rich were done differently from that of the poor. Ultimately, it felt like being poor on earth is tantamount to entering your grave with poverty. However we know from scripture that it is possible for the poor to enjoy riches and glories in the afterlife while the rich suffer in pain (see Like 16:19-31). The way one lives on earth determines their life after death. The plush funerals and the luxurious grave decors doesn’t change one’s final destination.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. (‭‭Isaiah 53:9)

In Isaiah’s Messianic prophecy of the suffering servant, we identify the final internment of the servant. First, we have seen how this innocent servant (personified in Jesus Christ) died for the transgression of many people. According to Isaiah 53: 9, “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.” We identify two different groups at the death and burial of the servant: the wicked and the rich. The nature of death assigned to the suffering servant’s death was the punishment for the wicked. He was condemned as a criminal even though he was innocent. No wonder he was assigned a grave with the wicked. In the manifestation of this prophecy, we identify that the condemned Jesus Christ was crucified together with two thieves. These thieves were men who had committed several crimes and their crucifixion was a punishment for their wickedness. Yet, Jesus, the Son of God was assigned the same punishment and He died like an ordinary criminal crucified together with the wicked. Jesus was hanged on the cross meant for the wicked and He died in between two thieves.

Again, the destination of this suffering servant in his death was with the wicked and the rich: “assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.” Thus, in another instance, the dead servant was given a rich man’s burial after his death. Let’s consider this in the death and burial of Jesus. After Jesus was confirmed dead, two important people collaborated to give Him a burial fitting for the rich. In ‭‭Mark 15:43 we identify that “Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.” John’s account adds that Joseph of Arimathea “was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.” ‭‭(John 19:39-41). Both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were prominent people in the society. They were men of influence and rich as well. Jesus was laid in a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. Jesus was buried by rich and influential people and laid in a new tomb.

In His death and burial, the suffering servant interacted with the rich and the wicked. Similarly, Jesus also interacted with the rich and the wicked in His life, ministry and death. Our Saviour died for people of all walks of life. He died for the rich, the poor, the wicked, the neglected among many others. As we navigate life, we need to understand that irrespective of our current state, the price has already been paid for our sins.

The suffering servant (Part 6): He was cut off from the land of the living

The story of George Junius Stinney Jr. is mind blowing and baffles me even till date. Born on October 21, 1929 and killed on June 16, 1944, this 14 year old black boy was convicted and then executed in a proceeding later considered as an unfair trial. He was accused of the murders of two young white girls in March 1944. He had an unfair trial, was convicted, sentenced to death, and executed by electric chair in June 1944. At age 14, George Junius Stinney Jr. was the youngest American with an exact birth date confirmed to be both sentenced to death and executed in the 20th century. 70 years after this trial, he was found to be innocent of the charges and exonerated. Although this news is good, George’s life had already been cut off from the land of the living. His innocence only makes a shift in history,  it doesn’t restore him back to the life that was taken away from him. Imagine how a legal blunder denied a family of a son. Who knows what he would have been if his life wasn’t taken away from him. This story reminds me of the description of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53.

By oppression and judgement he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished.‭‭ (Isaiah 53:8)

In Isaiah’s Messianic prophecies, the reader is presented with the state of affairs of the suffering servant. ‭‭Isaiah 53:8 quotes that “By oppression and judgement he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished.” First, the servant was oppressed through an unfair trial, a judgement that favoured his accusers. No one protested that his trial was unfair. This unfair trial led to a death sentence and ultimately the suffering servant was cut off from the land of the living. He was punished for a crime he didn’t commit. The punishment meant for others was laid on Him. This is like the case of George Junius Stinney Jr. who bore the sentence that was meant for the real murderer or murderers of the two white girls. Death ends one’s life in the land of the living. As believers, we know that it is appointed unto men to die once and after death, there is judgement (Hebrews 9:27). While one is alive, there is room to make amends but death ceases all that.

No one deserves to bear the punishment meant for another. Each life is important to God. Don’t ever be a partaker of wrong accusations. Let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No”. However, God in His infinite and unfailing love for us considered the death of His only begotten Son as the best way to atone for the sins of all humanity. Your sins, my sins, and the sins of everyone was paid for on the cross of calvary by Jesus. Jesus’ life was cut from the land of the living. As the blood of the sinless Son touched the ground, the earth shook, darkness covered the face of the earth, even the holiest place on earth couldn’t stand still and thus, the curtain dividing the holy of holies from the holy place was torn into two. Thus, the earthly high priest shifted from the Levitical priesthood to the Son of God. ‭‭Hebrews 9:11-12 attest that “But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”

Let us ponder over this: “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (‭‭Hebrews 9:15)

The suffering servant (Part 3): He was despised

Rejection of any sort is quite unpleasant and uncomfortable. Imagine being in a new place and realizing that because of your appearance, skin colour, race, beliefs, faith, etc. people tend to stay away from you. This could be disheartening and for some people rejection from the people close to them can cause them to have certain emotional traumas. God loves the world but consistently, some people in the world have rejected Him and all that He stands for. Others seem to believe in God but fail to accept His only begotten Son. The truth is, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are one and rejection of any automatically means the rejection of all. As we continue our discussion on the suffering servant, let’s focus on His rejection in this post.

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (‭‭Isaiah 53:3)

In Isaiah’s Messianic prophecies, he stated that, “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.‭” (Isaiah 53:2-3). This description indicates that the servant had no beauty or majesty and even his appearance was not desirable. In addition to this, the servant was despised, rejected, suffered, experienced pain, people hid from him and he was lowly esteemed. In fact, these details are best seen in the entire earthly life of Jesus. From His birth to His death, Jesus faced diverse forms of rejection. As a baby, Herod sought for Him to kill Him. During His ministry, the religious leaders hated Him with all Passion and plotted His death. He suffered pain and brutality in the hands of the Roman soldiers and He was crucified. Crucifixion was the kind of death sentence reserved for criminals. Thus, though Jesus knew no sin, He died like a criminal with two thieves by His sides. As if these were not enough,  even after His death, hatred for Him and the rejection of His ministry led the discontented religious leaders to arrange for soldiers to guard His tomb.

What at all did Jesus do to deserve all these? The deep contempt for Him has not ceased even till date. Although Jesus resurrected victoriously and is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for us, His followers are still despised all over the world. In some lands, allegiance to Christianity means a death sentence. In some cities, Christians are ostracized, banned from taking part in community engagements, denied basic human rights, expelled, killed, and even considered as the lowliest members of society. Yet, all these, we believers are still more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). If because of your faith in Christ, you have become susceptible to be despised by family and friends, know that our Lord and Saviour faced the same predicament. Instead of returning their rejection with anger and resentment, continue to show love, care and compassion. We gain nothing if we keep hating those who hate us.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:16 (KJV)‬‬ “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” We have been sent forth and being despised and rejected is no excuse for us to quit. We are the sheep in the midst of wolves. We need the wisdom of the serpent and dove to survive.

The suffering servant (Part 1)

For lovers of Christian movies, February 2004 remains very significant for the release of the movie “The Passion of the Christ” directed by Mel Gibson. Significant to this release was the fact that the movie came out in the United States on February 25, 2004. This day was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent for many orthodox believers. Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. Thus, the end of Lent also begins Easter. Although Lent is popular among many orthodox churches, it is not so common among evangelical believers. The Passion of the Christ captures the final 12 hours before Jesus Christ’s death. Personally, the first time I watched the movie, I cried like a baby. What! The acting was so real and I even felt Mel Gibson might have overdone the aesthetics and the acting. Why would the captors of Jesus treat Him so grossly? However after reading Isaiah’s account of the suffering servant, and the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion, I came to understand how Jesus was manhandled and treated before His death.

See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness (‭‭Isaiah 52:13-14)

The suffering servant is a theme that appears a couple of times in Isaiah’s writings. In Isaiah 52 and 53, we get an overview of how the suffering servant was treated, his death, the shame and the glory he secured after going through such a painful death. The depiction of who the suffering servant is remains contentious in many Jewish communities. However, for Christians, we have no doubt that this person was fully revealed through the suffering and death of Jesus. In fact, Jesus Himself and the apostles made reference to some of the quotes in Isaiah 52 and 53. As we prepare to celebrate the death,  burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is important we dig into the suffering servant and consider how this prophecy aligns with Jesus. ‭‭Isaiah 52:13 states this: “See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.” Then it continues with “Just as there were many who were appalled at him— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—” (Isaiah 52:14). These two verses reveal the glory and the suffering of the servant.

The painful experiences of the suffering servant should remind us of the pain God endured seeing His only begotten Son maltreated by the people He created. Yet, it was necessary for God to show us His unfailing love so that our redemption will be secured. Maybe like me, you still find it difficult to watch Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ because of the bloody nature of the movie. We can consider aesthetics displayed in the movie but in reality, the Son of God was disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness (Isaiah 52:14). It wasn’t a rosy journey to the cross. Our Lord Jesus suffered so much pain and shame. In all this, He knew no sin. In the subsequent posts for this week, we shall go deeply into the nature of suffering meted out to the servant described in Isaiah 52 and 53.

More than Conquerors

I am not a fan of boxing, wrestling and all those games that involve hitting, fighting and getting others to go through physical pain. I can hardly stand watching another person being beaten for a title. For me, it is hard. Yet for another person, these sort of games could be their favourite. Watching as fighters conquer each other and lifting up the trophy is therapeutic for some people. The essence of boxing, wrestling and all these fights are motivated by one thing: the winner’s title. In some cases, you see blood on fighters, some get fractures, others are paralyzed, some die on the spot and yet more of such games are invented each day. Why do people delight in seeing others in pain? I believe the winner and loser mentality is so much part of our lives that even in activities that do not involve fights, people still strive to become the best out of many. We tend to develop a fighter mentality with the aim to conquer everything and everyone.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ‭‭(Romans 8:37)

Our Christian journey is alluded to as a battle in many instances in the New Testament. Believers face discrimination, persecution, pain, and many other atrocities because of their faith. In some cultures and families, coming to Christ is a recipe to be ostracized. Other people also met their death just because of their faith. The average believer in an unbelieving territory has to navigate through several hurdles each day. Paul experienced in full force these sorts of persecutions. Yet, in ‭‭Romans 8:35, he asked a profound question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” In all his many battles, Paul was certain that nothing is worth separating us from the love of Christ. Like the boxer or the wrestler contending for a title, Paul states that our faith is worth standing for even if it costs us our lives. To Paul, irrespective of what we go through, we are more than conquerors. ‭‭Romans 8:37 states that “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” How is that even possible?

Paul explains in ‭‭Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In other words, nothing is worth the love of God that we have been shown through Christ Jesus. So even in persecution, we are more than conquerors, even when we are discriminated against, we are more than conquerors. When people revile us and call us all sorts of names, still we are more than conquerors. When persecution leads to even death, the believer is still more than a conqueror. Even though we are in a battle, the end has already been determined. We are more than conquerors! Therefore, do not let anyone’s perception of your faith build in you a loser’s mentality.

Do not lie!

The ninth of the ten commandments God gave to Israel states that “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” (‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20:16‬). In essence, do not lie when testifying about another and do not lie. There is nothing like a harmless lie. Every lie is a lie. Unfortunately most of us have succumbed to many “subtle lies” that we believe are normal and God does not consider them. God considers everything including the lie we tell to get ahead of the queue. That’s why on a daily basis, asking for forgiveness of sins should be part of our prayers. This post will consider lessons from Rachel, the wife of Jacob. In their flight from the house of Laban (Rachel’s father), Rachel stole her father’s household gods. Genesis 31:34 states that “Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them inside her camel’s saddle and was sitting on them. Laban searched through everything in the tent but found nothing.” ‭‭

Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them inside her camel’s saddle and was sitting on them. Laban searched through everything in the tent but found nothing. ‭‭(Genesis‬ ‭31:34‬)

When Laban came around, Rachel did not confess her wrong but rather added more lies. She said to her father, “Don’t be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I’m having my period.” (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭31:35). Laban searched and searched but could not find the household gods. Jacob in his anger laid a curse on the thief: “But if you find anyone who has your gods, that person shall not live. In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself whether there is anything of yours here with me; and if so, take it.” ‭‭(Genesis‬ ‭31:32). Jacob had no idea that his beloved wife, Rachel had stolen the gods.‬ What were the consequences of Rachel’s lies?

Death: As a result of Rachel’s actions she died while delivering her second child, Benjamin. As to the reason for stealing her father’s household gods, it is best known to Rachel but the results were drastic. Rachel’s labour pains were so intense that she died but the child survived. Remember, Jacob in Genesis 31:32 had already mentioned that the person who stole the gods shall not live. I believe Jacob was certain that no member of his household stole the gods and the accusation was Laban’s ploy to search them. The wages of sin according to Romans 6:23 is death and for Rachel, her wages for the lie she told was her death.

Separation: Lies lead to separation from God and the people you love. Whenever we fail to tell the truth, we raise a hedge between us and God. The commandments of God warns us from lying and every sin comes with punishment. Sin drives us away from God. Furthermore, when we lie, we tend to emotionally and physically move away from the people we love. For example, if a cheating husband constantly lies about his escapees with strange women, he raises a hedge between him and his family. Trust is broken and their physical attraction begins to dwindle. Rachel was physically separated from her family and she missed out in seeing her sons grow. She missed Joseph’s powerful dreams and his rise to glory.

Lack of trust: No one trusts a liar. Infact, putting your trust in a liar is at your own risk. Whenever people demonstrate the tendency to lie, their family and friends lose their faith and trust in such people. Thus even a serious matter can be neglected if it is coming from the liar.

Eternal punishment: According to Revelation ‭22:15‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)
“But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” Liars are among those who do not have access in God’s kingdom. Every lie is a confirmation that we do not want to be part of God’s eternal bliss but we choose eternal punishment.

Rachel lied to her doom. We have been shown so much mercy and there is still opportunity for us to repent of all sins including lies. Today is another opportunity for us to confess and be forgiven of all our sins. God is merciful.

Prayer: Dear God, I repent of all my sins including all unconfessed lies. I understand that liars have no place in your kingdom but I want to spend eternity with you. Please forgive me of all my sins and draw me closer to you. May Your Holy Spirit constantly remind me when my heart is tempted to lie. Help me live right and may my place in the book of life never be lost because of lies. I surrender my thoughts and emotions to You. I am Yours today and always. Amen.

Jairus Daughter: The dead shall live again!

The demonstration of power was strongly manifested in the life and ministry of Jesus. Everywhere Jesus went while he was on earth, there was massive transformation in the society. Many people came to experience the kingdom of God through the transformative messages of Jesus. Many others received their miracles and even some people had their dead members brought back to life. Jesus traveled with the message of the kingdom of God. One thing we see in Jesus’ ministry was the powerful ways He demonstrated authority over the seen and the unseen. Throughout the ministry of Jesus, He was strongly opposed by the religious leaders and it was the religious leaders who sent Him to be crucified. However, some of the religious leaders also believed in Jesus’ ministry. John chapter 3 shows a powerful conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus (he was a teacher of the law). We encounter in the gospels Joseph of Arimethea who went for Jesus’ body from Pilate and buried it in his own tomb. One other religious leader who showed his trust in Jesus was a man named Jairus.

While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” (Matthew 9:18)

According to the gospels of Matthew and Mark, Jairus was a synagogue leader. Jairus had heard of the works of Jesus and he believed that Jesus could restore his daughter to life. Jairus’ daughter was sick and at the point of death. She was very weak and the physicians declared her hopeless. However, her father did not give up on her. Jairus knew that Jesus could help his daughter. Matthew and Mark record how Jairus came to Jesus to ask for help.
Matthew 9:19 says this: While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”
Mark 5:22-23 says this: Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”
Jairus’s daughter had been declared dead according to Matthew’s account, yet Jairus went to Jesus because he knew Jesus has power over life and death. Jesus did not refuse Jairus but Jesus went with Jairus and a large crowd followed and pressed around Jesus (Mark 5:24).

When Jesus went into the house of Jairus, the professional mourners were already playing their pipes and there was a noisy crowd wailing (Matthew 9: 23). When Jesus said “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep”, the crowd laughed at Him (Matthew 9:24). Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James and the child’s parents and went in where the child was (Mark 5:37‭, ‬40). As Jesus came to where the girl was laid, “He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.” (Mark 5:41‭-‬43).

Jairus’ daughter was back to life. Indeed the dead shall live again. This incident wouldn’t have been a secret as the people in the neighbourhood who saw her dead could testify to this phenomenal miracle. Throughout her life, the grown up Jairus’ daughter would have been a symbol of the miraculous power of Jesus. Her life would have been a living testimony of the power of God. If she had married and had children, her descendants would have known her significant miracle of divine restoration. Jesus’ ministry was for three and half years but living testimonies such as the daughter of Jairus would have been too significant to be ignored.

As we consider the tremendous miracle of divine restoration, I pray that God restore unto you every dead situation. It is time for us to check out the mockers and naysayers. They can hinder our faith and cause us to miss our miracles. Like Jairus, go to Jesus even when all hope is lost and people have given up on you. Jesus will never give up on us.