Ananias and Sapphira - Part 4 (Arise to the Occasion)
Rev. O. K. Nkrahene | February 25 2025 | Acts 5:1-11
KEY VERSE: The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. ... When the young men came in they found her (Saphira) dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Acts 5:6 & 10b (ESV)
MESSAGE: The young men in the narrative of Ananias and Sapphira played a significant role that we would like to reflect on.
One distinct difference between young people and the older generation is their physical strength. Proverbs 20:29 (ESV) says, “The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendour of old men is their gray hair.” When God took the swift action of slaying Ananias and Saphira, the young men were available to offer their strength for the important task of burying the deceased couple. They had to wrap the bodies, carry them, dig the burial site, and they did so willingly.
They acted promptly; if they lacked expertise in applying perfumes and wrapping the dead, they served by following the instructions of the elders in the Church or by allowing those experienced individuals to fulfil their roles.
Some things require men or women, older people or younger people, to play certain roles. We must rise up and serve where the duty falls closer to us.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are there things that call for your action in the home, the Church or the community? Rise up and serve your generation.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, please help the home, the Church, and others in equipping your people to fulfil our responsibilities wherever you send us. For your dear Name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 56: Exodus 35-36 — Israel Brings Offerings for the Tabernacle
DAILY word study: ROSE
The Greek word used for "rose" in Acts 5:6 is "ἀνίστημι" (anistēmi), which means "to rise up," "to stand," or "to awaken." It carries a sense of movement, readiness, and action, often implying a significant shift or change in position.
The same verb anistēmi is used in the New Testament when referring to Christ’s resurrection, indicating not just physical rising but stepping into divine purpose. The young men in this passage did not just rise physically but also spiritually, taking responsibility in a moment of urgency.
Reflection
God calls each of us to rise in service when opportunities for ministry present themselves. Are you standing ready for His call? Are you prepared to respond when a task requires your effort?
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