Pocket Devotions Day 88: Power or Illusion: How do you Determine Its Source? Acts 8:18-19 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles hands, he offered them money and said, Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. Thoughts for Today: The Samaritans had been following for years a sorcerer named Simon. But when Phillip came on the scene they believed him and his message and were baptized. I would propose that this was more of a new fad or ritual to the Samaritans rather than a conversion. Peter and John arrived to provide greater depth and meaning to their belief and baptism. As a result, the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit and were truly converted and changed. Simon, on the other hand saw this as a trick or power that could be purchased. In our present day, if a stage magician performed an illusion it wouldnt be unreasonable for a fellow magician to offer to buy the trick. Thats all I see Simon doing here -- he simply thought the gifting of the Holy Spirit -- was a trick. Was Simon an illusionist or did he possess real power? I dont know, but one thing we do know for certain is that in Moses day, Pharaohs magicians were able to duplicate many of the signs and miracles that God did through Moses and Aaron. So if a trick can be purchased or a miracle duplicated, how do we keep from being deceived? The answer is in whether or not the miracle is constructive or destructive. For example, Exodus 8:5-15 describes the plague of frogs that God placed upon Egypt. Pharaohs magicians were actually able to duplicate this miracle -- Egypt had a problem with frogs and they made it worse. Understand they couldnt stop it or make it go away -- only God could do that -- therefore the ability had a destructive nature not constructive or positive nature and purpose. Questions to Ponder: We all want and seek the big and showy demonstrations of Gods power -- the healings, a plague of frogs against our adversaries, the parting of the Red Sea, etc. This same desire is what makes us susceptible to deception. Are you impressed with so called miracles or demonstrations of power? Do you assume someones unusual ability or talent has a Divine origin and makes them more Godly? Have you been deceived in the past? How can you protect yourself from such deceit?
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 13:22:27 +0000
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