Then Peter said to her, “Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!” Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband. Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things. Acts 5:9-11 HCSB
Once I was running late to get to the airport in Amarillo, Texas. I had to catch a flight to San Antonio where I was to teach conferences. If I missed my flight I would not get there in time. I am sorry to say, but I was driving faster than I should when I noticed blue lights flashing in my rearview mirror. I pulled over and willingly accepted the speeding ticket. I knew I had exceeded the posted limit and I was being held accountable for my unwise actions.
Peter confronted Sapphira and she lied just like her husband, Ananias. Her consequences were similar to her husband’s. She dropped dead and was buried beside her husband. There are consequences for sin, some more severe than others. Some consequences are experienced here on earth, but the ultimate consequence is eternal separation from God. We will all be held accountable for our actions. It is only through Jesus Christ that we have forgiveness of our sins. Gratefully as believers we will not suffer the ultimate consequence of our sins.
Challenge: Thank God that you are a believer and the penalty for your sin has already been paid when Jesus died on the cross. Remember that even though your sins may be forgiven, there may still be consequences. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years as a consequence for their lack of faith and trust in God to do what He said He would do.