“But Peter said to him, “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.”” Acts 8:20-23 NKJV
Simon used to be a sorcerer. He used witchcraft to perform astonishing
things, so much so that the people looked upon him as someone great. They
mistook him for a man with the great power of God. They were deceived by
the source of his power.
“But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced
sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was
someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest,
saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he
had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they
believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the
name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also
believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed,
seeing the miracles and signs which were done.” Acts 8:9-13 NKJV.
As the people turned to the real God, Simon too believed and was even
baptised. He became a believer who followed Phillip about. He had all the
outlook of a born again believer. I can imagine that he was very active in the
ministry. But there was something not right. He was more interested in the
miracles and signs he saw being done through Phillip. He knew it was mightier
and powerful than any performed through his witchcraft.
When Peter and John came to see and pray for the new believers to
receive the Holy Spirit, Simon was intelligent enough to perceive that the
source of the power was by the Holy Spirit. He was greedy enough not to wait to
be laid hands on before trying to bribe his way through.
Maybe he was prayed for as well but did not receive the Holy Spirit
because his heart was not right. His greediness and covetousness was exposed.
He wanted the gift for his own purpose, to demonstrate his ‘greatness’. He had
no desire to spread the gospel of Jesus. He was only interested in being part
of this amazing supernatural movement.
How many so called born again Christians are like this. They have
gone through the process but their heart remains hardened - born again by mouth
but not indeed.
How many try to buy the ‘gift’ with money, presents, ego-rubbing of
spiritual leaders. How many church positions have been based on material inputs
rather than content of the heart and outworking of right character.
“But Peter said to him, “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.”” Acts 8:20-23 NKJV
The gift of the Holy Spirit is
Is your heart right in the sight of God? Is my heart right in the sight
of God? He sees the thoughts of our heart. He does not look at outward deeds
like men. Man sees positions, titles, wealth to honour but God gives grace to
the humble of heart.
It is not too late to repent.
PrayerforToday 1 May 2018
May my heart be right in the sight of God. May Elohim forgive the
thoughts of my heart. May I not be poisoned by bitterness and bound by
iniquity. Father, give me revelation where the spirit of sorcery is in use in
your Church. Expose every demonic sources wherever they are in operation in
your Church.
It is the will of the everlasting Father that you may have everlasting
life through Jesus. See Him in the Holy Scriptures, believe in Him and He will
raise you up on the last day John 6:40 NKJV
I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach
(Jesus Christ).
#AdeolaAkintoye ©
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