April 30, 2021 (Friday)
Conversion is always an interesting thing. The stories are
personal and uplifting. How and at what pace one grows in the faith are very
individual. Let’s check one out.
“Before Philip’s arrival, a certain man named Simon had
practiced sorcery in that city and baffled the people of Samaria. He claimed to
be a great person.” [Acts 8:9 CEB] It
has been my observation that the more important one makes themselves out to be,
the greater their need. My suspicion is Simon craved attention. Then there it
the apparent power practicing sorcery gives.
If it isn’t power, people will crave fame, “Everyone, from the
least to the greatest, gave him their undivided attention and referred to him
as “the power of God called Great. He had their attention because he had baffled
them with sorcery for a long time.” [Acts
8:10 – 11 CEB] Sounds like he was an “influencer” before there was social
media. When he spoke, people listened. Yet, for all his sorcery and everything
that got him, he was eternally lost.
Despite all his trickery and cravings, I think there was something
stirring in Simon has he listed to Philip. “Even Simon himself came to believe and was baptized.
Afterward, he became one of Philip’s supporters. As he saw firsthand the signs
and great miracles that were happening, he was astonished.” [Acts 8:13 CEB] Let’s examine this for a bit. First,
Simon believed then he was baptized.
Not only did Simon believe, but by the symbolism of baptism,
he walked away from his sorcery. Imagine the power of the gospel, making one
leave the source of fame and income. Not only did he walk away but he put his
name and resources behind Philip and his message. Not there is a convert! Any
pastor would love to have him.
Simon witnessed the signs and miracles first-hand. He was
amazed. After spending a life in deceiving people and possibly being in cahoots
with devils, Simon was witnessing the real thing. But just because Simon made
all the correct steps, his faith was tainted by his past.
All our faiths are tainted by our past, our experiences, and
our circumstances. Since this new church was not racially “Jewish” the disciples
sent a delegation to check it out. Plus, it seems something was missing. Philip
was an evangelist… a forward thinker. His skill set in discipleship was a tad
on the low to nonexistent side.
“Peter and John went down to Samaria where they prayed that
the new believers would receive the Holy Spirit.” [Acts 8:15 CEB] I don’t know why Philip did not do
this, or if he was able too. Philip was certainly filled with the Holy Spirit.
But this initiation of the Holy Spirit seemed to be connected to membership and
acceptance into the Christian church at the time.
“When Simon perceived that the Spirit was given through the
laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.” [Acts 8:18 CEB] Ummm… not cool. I think Simon was a
genuine follower of Jesus, but that doesn’t mean he understood what he was
saying. Maybe it was his old life and habits, but it was certainly spiritual
immaturity.
“Peter responded, “May your money be condemned to hell along with you because
you believed you could buy God’s gift with money! You can have no part or share
in God’s word because your heart isn’t right with God.” [Acts 8:20 CEB] Ouch. Talk about a reprimand. There
is nothing gentle about Peter condemning him to Hell. Other translations say “perish.”
Which is theology-speak for damned to Hell.
The scary part is despite Simon’s earnestness (believe and
baptism) and sacrifice (supporting Philip). Peter states he has no part or
share in God’s word (discipleship, salvation). Despite all the “right” things,
his heart was not right with God. The story ends on a good note, Simon repents.
Still, I ask: is your heart right with God? Being outside a
right relationship with God puts you in a very dangerous place.
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