Saturday 3 Sep 2022

September 3: Acts 8:18-24

Key Verse: Acts 8:20
Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!’

Devotion:
There are many people around the world who make money out of religion! Some of those people are very well known and continue to say things which many believe and after which many follow them. But when we compare those lives with what Christ teaches us, we find gaps and even polar opposites!

This Simon was a man who practices sorcery in the city and was well known for the things he did. When people said ‘this man is rightly called the Great Power of God,’ he did not disagree with them nor tell them they were wrong. Instead he continued to be content with the notoriety he was receiving and continued to practice his sorcery!

When Philip came and told them all the gospel, people started to believe him because they saw it was the truth. Even Simon believed and ended up being baptised, following Philip and being astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw – this was the true power of God working in the people. When the disciples heard about this they sent Peter and John to come and bring Christ and the Holy Spirit into their lives.

Simon offered them money to receive the Holy Spirit! None of us can do this! Christ does not give out the Holy Spirit to the highest bidder. The Holy Spirit is shared with people who truly believe Christ in their hearts. When people do believe in their hearts, God allows them to receive the Holy Spirit as their continued guide and strengthener. Simon, on realising his mistake, asked for forgiveness right away knowing this was the real truth!

Points to Ponder:
Have you tried to gain Salvation or Godly support through earthly means?

Will you simply trust in Christ and receive His full attention?