Several young men hauled the body outside of town and buried the unfortunate man. The impromptu grave digging arose because the recently deceased lied to Peter and the burgeoning church and most regrettably, the Holy Spirit.

After the men completed their grisly task, they traipsed back to the gathering place of the Jesus followers, only to find a second dead body requiring removal. Another lap to the cemetery.

We’re told that as a result of the dramatic deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

I wonder how those on the burial detail processed the action? What did they whisper as they carried bodies through the streets? What did they say to the curious who asked what was going on? How did they represent the movement of God in their midst?

I’d love to understand their thinking. It’s one thing to hear a sermon—it’s much more powerful to participate in one. Certainly, it was an afternoon none ever forgot.

Do you think this group of young men ever lied to the Holy Spirit? I imagine they approached the Lord with a reverence matched by few others, and instructed those around them to do the same, until the end of their days.

Acts 5 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Dane Deaner

It’s often said that experts learn to spot counterfeit money by studying the real thing. Start with a strong knowledge of the standard before evaluating the fake.

The same modus operandi serves us in the life of faith. David wrote, Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.

Learn from godly people. Keep your eye on them. Like the currency expert, pay attention to the details of right-living people. David used the words observe and consider, meaning to go beyond a glance, to think deeply about what moves the people you respect.

We focus on the authentic as we dip into the writings of the saints, or sit in a small group with committed followers of Jesus.

Hang with good people. You and I will be less tempted by the schemes of those who care little for our person, and we’ll move toward a future of peace available for us.

Psalm 37 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo

I learned early on in campus ministry to avoid pointing out the conversion of a celebrity as proof that God works in the lives of individuals. Because often the same celebrity slipped up—as we all do—and then their faith looked disingenuous.

I discovered the phrase, live by the celebrity, die by the celebrity.

The psalmist writes, Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.

Celebrities—our modern-day princes—cannot save. Political princes cannot. Princes from our massively overblown entertainment complex fail as guides. Financial princes sour. Certainly the princes of social media (the influencers) fall flat. Despite what leaders in these arenas assure us, ultimate answers remain elusive.

Again to the psalm. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.

Enjoy them or ignore them, but don’t live by the celebrity. Instead, pick the one who knit each of us together in our mother’s womb (including our celebrities) to live by and die by.

Psalm 146 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by De’Andre Bush

Occasionally I read something in the Bible I find cringe-worthy. This assault on my modern sensibilities is one reason I read the Scriptures. I need the prod to my smug belief in up-to-date thinking.

But still, I had to pause and read several times David’s prayer against the enemies he felt surrounded him like lions, waiting for the right moment to pounce.

May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies; may their children gorge themselves on it, and may there be leftovers for their little ones.

Like Al Capone in the Untouchables, David wanted them dead. A prayer for vengeance on his enemies, and their babies? Feels way out of bounds.

David prayed in his fear and frustration, just he prayed at times of expansive joy. He prayed honestly. David prayed fervently. He prayed with shameless audacity. David prayed and prayed.

I’m so glad David put his prayers to paper for me to consider today. Like David, I can express everything bubbling up from my soul to the Lord. I don’t need to wordsmith my prayers. Blurt them out rather than stuff them down.

I’m doubtful the Lord rained devastation on the children as David prayed. The Lord listens, but may not answer. But the good news is the Lord can handle whatever I bring before Him.

Psalm 17 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Andre Hunter