SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:9-25
OBSERVATION:
An interesting story about a “sorcerer” who accepts Jesus as Saviour and Lord, and yet reveals that his heart is not right before God, i.e. he is still more interested in fame and fortune (how many Christians today are just like this?). What does it mean that they had not yet received the Spirit yet? You cannot be in Christ without the Spirit, so obviously they were already baptized in the Spirit (ase evidenced by their conversion). Apparently new converts at that time were also experiencing dramatic spiritual signs (like tongues?) along with their conversion, and now Peter and John pray the same for these converts. Peter’s harsh rebuke seems to work, and Simon pleads for mercy.
APPLICATION:
Two things stand out, Simon’s worldly heart and the need for additional prayer for the filling of the Spirit. To me, Simon seems to be sincere, yet mistaken, and his response to Peter indicates an open heart to the Lord. Can I say that I received the Spirit when I committed myself to the Lord? I have experienced the anointing since then, but my initial experience was not that dramatic or powerful. I do continue to pray for the filling of the Spirit, which to me means that He is already in me, but that His power will be unleashed in me in a special, God-honouring way.
PRAYER:
Lord, I do long for my heart to be filled with You, so that it will not be distracted by lesser things. Purify my heart by Your Spirit, that I may honour You! Amen.