The Day of Their Lives

Written By Betty Predmore

Acts 5:1-42 (June 7)

When I was younger I would watch Days of Our Lives with my Granny. Oh, the drama! Oh, the intrigue!

There was a complete cast of colorful characters... liars, cheaters, masters of deceit. It made for interesting viewing!

This is where we find ourselves in our New Testament story today. We meet two new characters...Ananias and Sapphira (now doesn't she just SOUND like a soap opera character?)

These two play a supporting role in today's "soap opera." If you remember, all the believers were selling their land and sharing their proceeds so that no one was needy. Well, these two masters of deceit decided they would take only part of the money from the sale to the apostles and pretend it was the full amount. (Can you see the plot of deception beginning to form?)

Unfortunately for them, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and didn't fall for their trickery.

When Ananias approached him, Peter asked him why he had let Satan fill his heart and lie to the Holy Spirit.

You can imagine Ananias's shock that he had been found out. This was a "duh-duh-duh" moment. He fell to the floor and died. Some young men (part of the unnamed cast of characters) wrapped him in a sheet and buried him.

As if this wasn't enough tragedy and deceit for one episode, Sapphira came along about three hours later. She has no idea what has happened and is keeping up with the lie they had agreed on.

Peter asked her if that was the full amount of money they had received for the land and she said it was.

He replied, "How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out too."

Instantly she fell to the floor in her dramatic death. Once again, that cast of characters came in and took care of the body.

The apostles continued performing miracles and wonders worthy of many good episodes but the people seemed a little fearful after TWO instant deaths. Even though they admired the apostles from afar, they continued to meet in worship and the number of those saved continued to increase.

The sick, lame, and possessed (this actually did happen on Days) were brought into the streets for healing. Crowds gathered to watch.

Now the high priest and his officials got jealous about this. (There is always jealousy in a soap opera) They arrested the apostles and put them in jail to await trial the next day.

Imagine their amazement when they went to get them the next day and they were gone, released in the night by an angel of the Lord! (This just keeps getting better and better)

They found out the apostles were in the Temple preaching and teaching. They went and arrested them again, this time deciding that killing them was the only way to end this problem.

And here is where a new character enters the show. His name was Gamaliel. He was an expert on religious law and had respect for all the people.

He told the officials, "Take care what you are planning to do to these men." He had a feeling the way were telling the truth about God, and didn't think it would be a good idea to fight against God. (There is always a character who saves the day!)

They took his advice. Calling the apostles back, they flogged them then let them go.

Peter and John continued preaching and teaching...in the Temple and house to house...all the Days of Their Lives. (Tune in tomorrow for the next episode.)

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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