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Jesus’ Disciples Versus a Magician (7/12/26)
Usually, when I reflect on this text, I look at how the magician Simon tried to cheat and discover some new secret powers. That disgrace leads him to pray for forgiveness and a new beginning (v. 24). That message is still in these verses, but this time something else jumped out at me.
Look at Acts 8:14-17. It tells about people who had been saved by their faith in Jesus Christ and their acceptance of the word of God. Wouldn’t you think that would be enough? Wouldn’t you be pleased if a bunch of folks committed themselves to Jesus Christ? One of the inspiring images of evangelical revival meetings is a scene with men and women at the altar, accepting an invitation to follow Jesus.
But that may be quitting too early.
These verses tell of how the journey is to continue: receive and live by the Holy Spirit. There have been times in the history of the Church when we measured success solely by counting on the number of professions of faith. This text lets us know that that ain’t enough. Do we let the Holy Spirit continue to shape us, to use us, to guide us? What is the evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in my life? Think about your local church: what is the evidence that the Holy Spirit is guiding congregational values and activities?
This is certainly not to say that faith in Jesus Christ is not important. Nothing in this text suggests that. It is to say that there is more to the story.
In this week’s account, when Peter and John laid their hands on those who had faith, all became aware of the Holy Spirit (v. 17). When do you see the Holy Spirit at work? Last week, I saw a member of Bethany come every day of the week to restock the Little Free Pantry (in the parking lot). Last week, I heard a new member say she came to Bethany because she felt a welcome she did not feel at a previous church. Last week, a player on our dartball team offered a supportive prayer for the hurting places in our opponent’s congregation. The Holy Spirit is alive and well.
What Someone Else Has Said: Bill Leonard has written (Baptist Questions, Baptist Answers, Westminster John Knox): “The Holy Spirit is at work in the world; it is the stealth presence of God moving in places and persons that often the world (and the church) do not recognize immediately, if ever.”
Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Come, Holy Spirit, and bring alive my faith in Jesus…”
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By NC Conference of The UMCUsually, when I reflect on this text, I look at how the magician Simon tried to cheat and discover some new secret powers. That disgrace leads him to pray for forgiveness and a new beginning (v. 24). That message is still in these verses, but this time something else jumped out at me.
Look at Acts 8:14-17. It tells about people who had been saved by their faith in Jesus Christ and their acceptance of the word of God. Wouldn’t you think that would be enough? Wouldn’t you be pleased if a bunch of folks committed themselves to Jesus Christ? One of the inspiring images of evangelical revival meetings is a scene with men and women at the altar, accepting an invitation to follow Jesus.
But that may be quitting too early.
These verses tell of how the journey is to continue: receive and live by the Holy Spirit. There have been times in the history of the Church when we measured success solely by counting on the number of professions of faith. This text lets us know that that ain’t enough. Do we let the Holy Spirit continue to shape us, to use us, to guide us? What is the evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in my life? Think about your local church: what is the evidence that the Holy Spirit is guiding congregational values and activities?
This is certainly not to say that faith in Jesus Christ is not important. Nothing in this text suggests that. It is to say that there is more to the story.
In this week’s account, when Peter and John laid their hands on those who had faith, all became aware of the Holy Spirit (v. 17). When do you see the Holy Spirit at work? Last week, I saw a member of Bethany come every day of the week to restock the Little Free Pantry (in the parking lot). Last week, I heard a new member say she came to Bethany because she felt a welcome she did not feel at a previous church. Last week, a player on our dartball team offered a supportive prayer for the hurting places in our opponent’s congregation. The Holy Spirit is alive and well.
What Someone Else Has Said: Bill Leonard has written (Baptist Questions, Baptist Answers, Westminster John Knox): “The Holy Spirit is at work in the world; it is the stealth presence of God moving in places and persons that often the world (and the church) do not recognize immediately, if ever.”
Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Come, Holy Spirit, and bring alive my faith in Jesus…”