Simon the Sorcerer

Scripture:

9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, claiming to be someone great. 10 The Samaritan people, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” (Acts 8:9-10 NLT)

13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the great miracles and signs Philip performed. (Acts 8:13 NLT)

18 When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given when the apostles placed their hands upon people’s heads, he offered money to buy this power. 19 “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 8:18-19 NLT)

Simon had power and fame. Then he heard about Jesus, and he believed and was baptized. But then he saw that with the laying on of hands, people received the Holy Spirit, and he wanted to buy that power. It can be so easy to get caught in the trap of praise and position! Simon had been told he was the “great one”, and when he saw that he could have power with the laying on of hands, he wanted that too. It is all about the heart, and what we let creep in. Power can become addictive if we don’t keep our heart pure before God.

You are the only true God, and I will love You only, and give praise to You for the miracles You do. Help me to always keep aware of the desire for power and undue recognition that may make its way into my thinking and heart. AMEN

Father, because my heart is confident in You, I can sing your praises. I thank You for Your unfailing love, and Your faithfulness. Psalm 108

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