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Monday Meditations |
January 30, 2012
Read: Acts 5:1-16 "Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles." Here we read the story of Ananias and Sapphira, two converts to the new religion called "The Way" in Jerusalem. These two are an example to other believers regarding what belongs to them and what belongs to God and the community of faith which God bears up. Those of us who work hard for our money are taken aback by the stern message of these verses. 'It all belongs to God' its words whisper, and our reaction can be anything from remorse to anger to rejection to compliance. 'If I give it all away, who will take care of me?' is the thought behind it all, grasping at our safety nets and those things that make us feel secure. 'If I don't do it, who will?' God steps up quietly and says, 'I will.' The sharing of money and possessions is probably the biggest stumbling block to Christian faith in our culture. We crave security. What's hard for you to give to God in all faith? Because faith is what's needed in order to truly believe, as the old hymn says, "God will take care of you." This craving after security must have been at issue for the early church, or else this story of Ananias and Sapphira would not have surfaced. Does it help to know that people have been struggling with giving for generations? In other words, it's not just you. Everyone has a hold out, whether it be money or time or energy. We just don't think we can give in these areas lest there be none left for oneself. Our story this week reminds us that hankering after money and stuff is a sure way to spiritually die. Wrestle with this one this week: What is hard for me to give back to God? What scares me when I think of upping my offering or volunteering on a committee? Do I really believe that all of what I have really belongs to God? How has prayer helped you? How does your personal prayer time and communal prayer time in worship inform and feed you? Look for more stories of prayer in next week’s Monday Meditation. First Lutheran Church
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