Daily Devotion, May 17, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 8:18-24.

This Simon is different from the Simon Peter of the gospels. This story actually begins in verse 9 and Simon describes himself as “Simon, the Great”. The people followed him because, “he had amazed them with his magic.” (vs.11)

Simon is contrasted with Philip who “preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.” (vs.12) Men and women followed Philip and were baptized. Simon, too, believed and was baptized!

But Simon’s eyes were not yet opened to the true power and purpose of Philip’s mission and message. Phillip’s message was spreading so far and wide among the people of Samaria that Peter and John were sent to help. Simon wanted the same ability that Peter and John had! He wanted this ability so badly that he offered them money!

Simon wanted to advance his own personal position, reputation, and sense of power. But Simon was totally missing that this is God’s gift for the greater good for the kingdom of God and in the name of Jesus Christ! Peter recognized Simon’s motives from his heart were terribly misguided and quickly corrected him! He teaches Simon an important lesson: you do not seek God’s power for selfish reasons, but you only do God’s work when sent and empowered by God.

For the gospel’s sake, Peter and John did not receive the money! And Peter instructed Simon to repent and pray for forgiveness. Perhaps the eyes of Simon’s heart were beginning to be opened to the difficult truth he held within; that he was consumed with serving himself.

The commentaries refer back to Acts 5: 1-10. Ananias and Sapphira sold some land and then lied to the apostles that the money they were giving was all that they had received. This story and Simon’s story demonstrate desires to possess and manipulate for self “money and power”, to the extent that the community is completely disregarded.

We too, can want so badly for our own success that our eyes are closed to the truth of our hearts and justify any means necessary to serve self, and self alone.

Personal Worship Option:

“Their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.” (Psalm 78:37-38b) This is good news! Let us also examine our hearts, repent and receive God’s gifts of mercy and forgiveness.