Uzzah. Ananias and Sapphira. Those names bring up two events, one in the Old Testament and one in the New, that often leave us puzzled or confused. If you read the story of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6, you know that Uzzah was one of the priests charged with bringing the Ark of Covenant to the city of David. As a priest, he should have known how the Ark was to be transported on the shoulders of priests. Instead the Ark was placed on a cart and when the oxen pulling the cart stumbled, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark. For that, “the Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and God struck him dead on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there next to the ark of God.” [v7 CSV]
Well, that was the God of the Old Testament, and surely the God of the New Testament is more lenient and gracious regarding irreverence. We might believe that except for the account in Acts 5 of Ananias and Sapphira.
Shortly after the new church was formed, Barnabas, known as the son of encouragement, sold some property and gave the money to the apostles to be used for the poor. Ananias and Sapphira, not wanting to be outdone, also sold some property. When they brought a portion of the profit to the Apostles, they led them to believe it was all the profit. Lying to the Holy Spirit brought about the immediate judgment of God and a quick trip to the cemetery. Verse 11 tells us when that happened, “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.”
These events highlight the consequences of irreverence. They also highlight the fact that we serve a God who is dangerous and not safe. God will not be mocked. If we sow to irreverence, we will reap judgment.
Part of me, when I read these two stories, always wonders what the church would be like if men and women both behind and in front of the pulpit today—who knowingly disrespect God—suffered the same immediate consequence. Then I think great fear would seize the church, and, maybe, we would be that pure and holy Bride God has called us to be.
