Many of us have felt a sobering seriousness in these days. There is an intensity in the times we are living in. It’s not “business as usual.” We are told to be alert for strategic, opportune times of demonic attacks. This is no time to play games. The consequences of our choices always affect our own well-being and the well-being of others, including future generations. 

The Scriptures and history show us the cycles of human events and God’s interactions and interventions in them. Some are major, Kairos, opportune times that change the course of history. The coming of the Messiah was the grandest. He came to expose, undo, and destroy what the devil had done. He dismantled death and obliterated all its effects. He came to save, deliver, and heal the world.

His resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost were followed by an explosion of growth in the New Covenant Church, filled with stunning signs and wonders and the salvation of many. 

Then we read one of the most startling sections of New Testament Scripture—the sudden deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. This couple sold some property and pretended to give all the profits to the Church. Retaining some of their personal property for themselves was not the problem. It was their hypocrisy and lying to God.  

God revealed their secret to Peter, who asked Ananias, “Why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” (Acts 5:3-4).

As soon as Ananias heard Peter speak those words, he fell to the ground and died. Three hours later, Sapphira arrived and also lied about the amount paid for the property. This time, Peter prophesies that she will also die like her husband. 

Great fear gripped everyone who heard what had happened (see vs. 11). The word for “fear” in this verse can also be translated as dread or terror. God’s strategic, opportune time was also a strategic, opportune time for demonic attacks. The people were awakened to the sobering reality of spiritual warfare. 

Peter did not curse Ananias and Sapphira. God gave him the gift of discernment and prophecy. God did not strike the couple dead. He gave them over to their desire and did not prevent the consequence of their deception. They had given the devil a legal right to attack them. 

The severity of being struck dead shows us the monumental warfare surrounding God’s timing to birth and grow the fledgling Church. Ultimately, His sovereign plans to create a firm foundation on which to build His Church prevailed.

Like the early Church, I believe we have entered another Kairos moment, an opportune time. A great move of God and a harvest is upon us. We can ask Him for a reverential fear of the Lord. We won’t be caught unaware, but rather, we will be on the alert, interceding for one another and for the world around us. We will experience His help in times of need at just the right moment. He will become a ring of fire around us, protecting us by His glory-presence in our midst.