Simon vs. Simon

Acts 8: 22-23

Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. And Simon answered, Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.

After the stoning of Stephen, Saul was incensed persecuting believers and ravaging the church. Men and women were ripped from their homes and thrown in jail. The persecution was so great that it caused the church to flee. Even though this was a bad time, it resulted in the gospel being spread to Judea and Samaria. All things are God's servants even intense persecution. 

Philip had gone to Samaria to share the message of Christ with the people there. The crowds were responsive. In fact, the crowds responded in unison. When they saw Philip cast out demons and heal others, they believed with great joy. One of those who claimed to believe was Simon the magician. He was a man of great reputation in the city. Many had believed in what he said and the magic he had performed. So when he saw others believe and be baptized in Jesus Christ, he jumped on the band wagon. As Simon continued with Philip, he was amazed at the great signs that Philip was doing. 

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard about this great event, they immediately dispatched Peter and John to the area so that they might receive the Holy Spirit. [The Spirit had not fallen on any of them yet] As Peter and John laid hands on the people, they received the Spirit. Simon was blown away. He saw this as a great opportunity and offered the apostles money so that he might be able to lay hands on others and replicate this powerful gift.

Peter [who formerly was Simon] spoke harshly to Simon saying,  "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. No doubt Simon was carried along by the enthusiasm of the crowd and the great signs that he saw. He probably thought he believed. But sadly, he truly did not.  Believing in Jesus is a heart matter. [God does not look on the outward appearances but instead He looks on the heart.] Money has nothing to do with it. Peter spoke sternly saying, Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. How off-putting was that! There was no way Simon could continue on without a change of heart. Yet Peter had given Simon a way out. If he would repent, confess the bitterness and the sin, and be forgiven, God would forgive. But Simon couldn't. How very sad! The best he could do was to ask Peter to pray for him to forestall the judgment of God. Simon would have to find a new audience to wow with his magic. His heart had made a fatal mistake. 

Sadly there are many people in the church today who are just like Simon. They come because of friends, social standing, or maybe they think it is what they should do. Church is what many good people do. But still their hearts are not changed. 

Father,

I bless You for calling me to Yourself, for forgiving me and making me over anew. You are a great God. Lord, I pray for others this morning who come to church but are unchanged on the inside. Even this Sunday, do a work in their hearts.

In Jesus name,

Amen