Acts 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
The same thing which had taken place with Joses, had also occurred with Ananias and Sapphira, for they were convinced by the Holy Spirit to follow Joses’ lead. Yet they, like Joses, were left free and clear to do, or not to do as convicted. If, in their minds, the commitment may have seemed to be too much then they could refrain from making it. But to make the commitment, and then to reason it away on rational grounds, set them up for what was to be their last church service.
Whenever a promise, or a commitment is made to God, we should expect satan to challenge it on rational grounds. The quicker the commitment is fulfilled is the better it will be for the person in question, because waiting can give satan time to employ logic in tempting such an one to renege on his or her promise. If a person’s budget is tight, it may be preferable to return one’s tithes, and offerings at a different time, than when the mortgage or rent is due.
If the both obligations were to converge at the same time, the enemy of souls would undoubtedly try his best, to reason away in the person’s mind, the commitment to God, using logic, as he did so successfully, with those two who were brought to the point of decision, at Pentecost.
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!