Good morning,
People are attracted to entertainment with dazzling special effects. In our modern culture, we are more prone to be amused than to be saved. Jesus came to the world not to amuse people, not to entertain them. He came to seek and to save the lost. One of the readings for last Sunday was taken from Acts 8. Simon the Sorcerer amazed the people of Samaria with his impressive tricks and dynamic personality. But when Philip and Peter came to the city, Simon encountered real power--unmistakable miraculous healings and speaking in tongues, which caught his attention. The big difference between Simon and the disciples is that they gave Christ the credit and attention, not themselves. Simon boastfully called himself the “Great Power” (vs 10).
Simon wanted to know how to tap into the power of the Spirit, which he recognized as superior to what he possessed. He thought that he could purchase this power. God’s power isn't for sale. We can't “cut a deal” with God. We can not buy love, we can not buy grace, and we can not buy peace. Each is a gift.
Peter confronted Simon using some pretty strong language, “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God” (20-21). J. B. Phillips translates this verse, 'To hell with your money". Simon wanted the Holy Spirit, but not for love of the Lord or the Kingdom of God. The Spirit isn’t a commodity, but a Person.
Primitive religions use magic to try to control or manipulate God and to get what they want. Christian Gospel declares, that God is in control, and He chooses what’s best for us. Faith rests in God’s plan. The Holy Spirit is not a genie that pops out of a bottle awaiting our command. He is Lord and He commands us. Peter called on Simon to repent and the purpose of his confrontation was reconciliation. Simon then asked Peter to pray for him.
John Polhill wrote, “The correct response to God’s gift of salvation is much more than simply a ‘what’s in it for me?’ approach. It involves genuine commitment in response to the work of God’s Spirit.” Superficial faith will be revealed by the test of time. For example, evangelist George Whitefield was once asked how many converts he had after a preaching event in New England. He answered, “Ask me again in five years.”
You have never seen the headline, “Psychic Wins the Lottery”. Nonetheless, so-called psychics still enjoy a thriving business. Today, Simon would have his own TV special. Slight of hand tricks entertain us, yet here’s a more sinister form of magic that many people get involved with--occult practices that are rooted in dark forces. People have an unhealthy fascination with the paranormal, which Paul describes as the “spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). Mediums, psychics, channelers, palm readers, and witches are the devil’s counterfeits. We have no business engaging in séances, playing with Ouija boards or Tarot cards, consulting horoscopes, or other occult practices. These may seem harmless, yet they open the door to the “dark side”; it’s like inviting a conversation with the devil.
We may be tempted to call a psychic hotline, but doing so shows that we are not trusting God. Let us recognize that the power of God is something He controls. We do not control Him.
In Jesus Christ our Lord,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uzDJ6yQVPw
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