One of the first events recorded in Acts chapter 8 is the story of Simon Magus. We quickly dismiss Simon as someone evil who tried to weasel into the church. But I am not sure that is entirely the case. Luke tells us that Simon, “believed.” He was fascinated with the power God demonstrated in the life of Philip. He was even more astounded when he saw people receive the Holy Spirit when Peter and John laid hands upon them. Simon approached them with money offering to pay for the power to give the Holy Spirit to whomever he laid his hands on. We automatically assume that Simon wanted to profit from this gift. But the Bible does not tell us his motives. I suspect he told himself that he wanted to touch more lives with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Of course Peter said, “Let your money go to hell with you for thinking you could buy the gift of God.” Peter added, “I perceive that you are filled with the gall of bitterness and are in bondage to iniquity.” Peter told him to repent and pray that God, if it were possible, might forgive him because his heart was not right before God.
Have you ever resented your lack of success? Have you felt like God did not give you what you deserved for whatever reason? Note that Simon did repent in terror and asked that Peter pray for his deliverance. I am regularly tempted to feel sorry for myself for any number of reasons. And I thank God that He gives us the opportunity to regularly repent.
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