“As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who send him” (Proverbs 10:26).
Simon the sorcerer was quite a character in Samaria. He had learned to live off of tricks, lies and fraud. He claimed to be a sorcerer with supernatural powers who amazed the multitudes. His popularity had grown in a society that had turned from the Word of God. His occult performances and magic tricks had attracted many people and gave him abundant profits. His influence was so great that he became known as «the great power of God»! (Acts 8:9, 10). But one day, Philip went to preach the gospel there. The true power of Heaven was remarkably seen. Miracles and extraordinary works took place. Simon himself was impressed! It wasn’t a trick! The sorcerer’s eyes sparkled. People were acknowledging God’s power. He himself accepted the gospel and was baptized.
From that day on, Simon followed Philip wherever he went. He was amazed every time he witnessed a genuine miracle take place through the work of God’s servant. What kind of power was that? How could it be obtained? Simon imagined the amount of money he could amass if he had access to that mysterious power. Then, he discovered the secret when Peter and John laid their hands on some of the believers, who received the Holy Spirit. Of course, that was the secret! How much would it cost to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? So Simon offered a generous amount of money in exchange for receiving the Holy Spirit. When hearing the sorcerer’s request, Peter replied,
«Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.»
«Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me,» answered Simon (Acts 8:20-24).
There are people who do the impossible to evade honest work throughout their lives and would rather cheat in all sorts of ways. But they forget that work is a means to edify character during our passage through this world. And, unless they sincerely ask for God to transform them, that attitude will ruin their lives.
Ask the Lord today to teach you to live according to His will.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
