Fakin' it

Apparently, they were there. They were in the congregation the day Joe brought in the money he got from selling his estate. They experienced the revitalizing encouragement that such a sacrifice brought to the whole church. They were there when the Apostles slapped him on the back saying, “Good Ole Joe. Always knows how to brighten things up. We’ll call you ‘Mr. Encouragement’.”

Perhaps they were there and were enticed by the aura of honor. Perhaps they thought of Joe the way many of us think about martyrs, “I would have done the same thing, given the opportunity.” Perhaps they even let such boasts be heard, so when their piece of property sold, there was a heavy bit of expectation. Perhaps everyone was waiting with baited breath for them to deliver on their claim. But that was a lot of money.

“No one said we HAVE to give it all. So what if Joseph did? Good for him! We’ll give most of it. Keep just a little for a rainy day. It’s still a very considerable sacrifice.”

Well, you should have seen the looks on people’s faces when he brought in all that money. “Good Ole Ananias! He came through on his boasts! God is gracious!” He felt good. He felt appreciated. As well he should have. That was a lot of money. “Another Joseph!” someone shouted. “Looks as if Encouragement bore twins.” He very much understood the insinuations. They think this is the full price. "Minor details.” He figured.

“Is this the full price you received from that piece of property?” Peter asked him. He was going to tell the truth. Why wouldn’t he? There is nothing wrong with an eighty-five per cent tithe. Some serious needs will be met with this gift. The poor will eat. The naked will be clothed. Why wouldn’t he tell the truth? It’s not like he is stealing. It was his property. The price he received was his money to do with as he liked. Why would he lie?

He turned around to see a small crowd now gathering behind him, beaming with enthusiasm and clamoring to hear his response. Even Joseph was in the crowd. “Is this the full price you received from that piece of property?” Ahh… what difference does that make!? Don’t let these people down. Tell them what they want to hear. These are God’s precious people. Don’t discourage them with details. Stop hesitating. They’ll be suspicious. Answer!

“Yes…” he said as he fell to the ground.

Joseph was sincere. His gift encouraged the church. Ananias was insincere. His gift brought great fear to the church. The difference between being real and putting on a show was life and death.

(I might post on the account of Ananias and Sapphira more than once. There is a lot to be said about his very troubling story.)