The Well
The Well |
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Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Tuesday
August 19, 2008
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. "Let me have this
power, too," he exclaimed, "so that when I lay my hands on people, they will
receive the Holy Spirit!"
But Peter replied, "May your money perish with you
for thinking God's gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your
heart is not right before God. Turn from your wickedness and pray to the Lord.
Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of
bitterness and held captive by sin."
"Pray to the Lord for me," Simon
exclaimed, "that these terrible things won't happen to me!"
Acts 8:18-24
When persecution of Christians began in Jerusalem, God's people scattered again. However, this time they had something they didn't have back in Jeremiah's day – they had the power of the Holy Spirit with them – individually.
Philip ended up in Samaria. He began sharing about Jesus and praying for people. Through the power of God many people were delivered from demonic strongholds and healed. Well, a man named Simon happened to be one of those.
Prior to accepting the Good News, Simon was a sorcerer. The people in that town held him in high esteem because he could manifest miracles too. They even called him "the Great One – the power of God." (Acts 8:10) However, once he accepted Christ the demonic powers left him and the people realized what the true power of God was. Well, Simon wanted this "new" power and was willing to pay any price for it – well, almost any price.
Then Peter comes – good old Peter. I don't think Peter was "speaking the truth in love" at this particular moment. Peter was confronting bitterness and jealousy in Simon's life. Before we can go on with God we too may have to face these two demons. If we are going to serve God through the power of the Holy Spirit – God will first have to remove any traces of bitterness and jealousy.
I remember very well when God made me face the truth that I was jealous of an awesome, gifted singer in the church Roger and I once attended. The jealousy was so bad that I couldn't even attend her concert when we were still members. Yet, when God moved me to buy her CD the presence of God filled my office. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit drove me to tears. I had to call her and confess what was going on and I do believe my Father was pleased.
If we are going to go on with God into His purpose for our lives He will get us to the place where our motives will be examined. It is painful, but it too will lead us to praise and His purpose will become clear. Oh, let us pray for one another that our motives will stay pure.
Father, I thank You so much for leading me to the point of repentance – when it is necessary. Thank You for removing jealousy and bitterness from my life every time they surface. Please touch anyone reading this today who may be at a brick wall of bitterness and jealousy. Free them to fly!
