Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Acts 5:14, “And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.”
Background
It was twenty five years ago that my wife and I and our two kids at the time had a flight scheduled to visit my brother and family in California. As it turned out, the tragedy of the terrorist attacks occurred on September 11, which was a few days before our trip, and so we had to reschedule for a couple weeks later. But many people in similar situations did not. Statistics show that airlines experienced a 30% drop in demand immediately following the reopening of the airports. If you can remember back to 1982, you may recall the Tylenol tampering incidents. As many as seven people, most of them in Chicago, died from taking Tylenol that had been poisoned with cyanide. The parent company, Johnson & Johnson, had to recall 31 million bottles worth over $100 million dollars. And sales of Tylenol dropped 80% following the deaths. It’s no surprise to see the public reaction to the fear that swept the country as a result of the deaths of innocent, unsuspecting people. Even as one might think that the increased security at the airports and the increased scrutiny at the manufacturing plants would make things safer than ever before, it could be quite difficult for the average person to take that leap of faith.
A similar fear must have existed surrounding the church in the wake of the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. The exposure of their secret sin and God’s judgment of it would have resonated with every person who was honest enough with themselves to admit they were subject to the same treatment.
Application
Nevertheless, believers were increasingly added to the Lord. The Bible says that multitudes of men and women, relevant because a man and a woman both died, believed the message of Jesus and joined His body. They were not immune to a history of sin and evil. They were not any better than anyone else. But they believed enough to let God pour out His grace and mercy on them. They didn’t run away in fear, reserving for themselves the worst possible fate. Their faith overcame their fear. They believed despite what others may have said following the two deaths. That kind of faith is a saving faith.
Charge
As we seek Him today, believe when you are tempted to fear, for Christ is always with you.
Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words
Distributed by – BCWorldview.org
Editor Comment: In an age full of manufactured panic and public tragedy, this devotional reminds believers that trusting Christ can outlast even our deepest fears.