The Power or The Person

Simon the Sorcerer was used to popularity, power, fame, wealth. He amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. (Acts 8:10-11)

Then Philip comes to town and Simon loses his audience and admirers. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12). The Samaritans turn from Simon and magic to Philip and Jesus. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. (Acts 8:13a) Great news, right? Almost. Why did Simon believe? And seeing the signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. (Acts 8:13b)

The purpose of signs and great miracles is to point us to the One who performs them. Simon’s motivation for following Philip is exposed when Peter and John come to town. After Simon witnesses Peter and John lay their hands on these new believers and they receive the Holy Spirit Simon wants this “power” too.

Simon put himself in the wrong position. Simon still wants to be the star. He doesn’t want his magic show to end. Simon wants to be the giver of great power. He doesn’t realize he needs to receive the One who has all power. We can only give what we have first RECEIVED. Simon never gets “in line” to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon “cuts in line” thinking that he can buy the Holy Spirit without experiencing the Holy Spirit. Simon wants the power without the Person.

What about you? We also have a “magic show.” We are not sorcerers, but we have a way we want to live. We can be seduced by the signs and great miracles and use them to further our agenda. Simon saw the Holy Spirit as another tool in his toolbox but he never wanted Him to be the center - the Spirit of Truth to which Simon bows his knee.

When Peter warns Simon and commands him to repent Simon still hasn’t come to the end of himself. Simon does not pray. Simon asks Peter to pray for him. Simon does not ask Peter to pray for him to have a revelation of God. Simon asks Peter to pray that Simon won’t have to face the consequences.

May we be those who desire the Giver more than the gift. May we be those who know we need to receive before we give. May we stand in awe of God. May we humble ourselves before the Lord and hunger for the Holy Spirit so our lives make much of Jesus.

-Steven