April 23
Simon
There was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great… Acts 8:9 (NKJV)
Several different men named Simon appear in scripture, and we’re introduced to one of them in Acts Chapter 8. He lived in the region of Samaria and practiced sorcery there. The Bible says he was able to perform spiritual manifestations that left a wake of awestruck people.
Then one day a disciple named Philip came to town, and the Holy Spirit gave him the ability to cast out demons and perform miraculous healings. Suddenly, Simon wasn’t such a big deal anymore. So he went to check out what Philip was all about, and the Bible says he became a believer.
As word about what was happening in Samaria got out, Peter and John journeyed from Jerusalem to see for themselves. They laid hands on the believers in Samaria and prayed for them to be filled with the Holy Spirit. And as Simon witnessed this, he was so impressed with the spiritual power he saw that he offered to pay Peter and John for the same ability. Watch Peter’s response:
“Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Acts 8:20-21 (NKJV)
Although Simon had shown a superficial profession of following Jesus, something was radically wrong inside of him. His interest in the things of God was really very self-serving. He was interested and excited only as long as it offered some spiritual spectacle that he could coat-tail on. Peter sensed this and called him out.
Unlike Simon, we need to be into Jesus just for who He is and not for how we can use Him. Our decision to follow Christ can’t be attached to a self-serving motive or agenda. He and He alone must be enough for us.
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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