Some of us are blessed with dramatic conversion stories. Today’s Holy Nougat introduces us to one such.
Acts 8:9-10 NIV
[9] Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, [10] and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.”
Prophet or Loss
Then, like now, there were charlatans plying their trade in communities. Samaria was not a traditionally Jewish city, so sorcerers could operate publicly and successfully. Simon had a huge following. He was receiving clients near and far. So much so that he was as unto god. He must have had a high success rate and was evidently the local spiritual authority. By his admission, he was a great person, and he convinced many to follow him.
Self-Check
How gullible are/were we to spiritual fakes peddling their spiritual lies as the real deal?
Application
There was a cartoon in Jamaica several years ago that portrayed a man standing at a crossroads. He was trying to determine what spirit he would try. Although it was a play on the number of churches and pubs in the island, the sentiment could readily have been about our society today. Prophets, mediums, sorcerers, and horoscopes are all readily available to the public. They are online, on the airwaves, and some operate in our places of worship, while others have their businesses in discreet locations. It is no wonder that several individuals are hesitant to embrace the Gospel.
I want to assure us that God is not human, therefore God is superior to all who operate in the spirit realm. Thus, even if we do not challenge the authority and legitimacy of those who claim to be ‘of Christ’, or preaching and prophesying in His name, it doesn’t mean that God is unaware of their existence.
Our task is to invite God to overturn spiritual strongholds and to reveal God’s glory in such spaces. We ought to also study the Scriptures for ourselves and ask God to confirm the legitimacy of those who preach and teach in the name of Christ. Of course, this assumes that we are not following horoscopes, visiting sorcerers, or engaging in divination of any kind. If so, this is the perfect opportunity for us to repent.
It is also important to note that this is the introduction to a conversion story, so evidently, Simon didn’t have the last say. That’s God’s.
Can you imagine his consternation when the apostles came into town?
Point to Ponder
Do we need to repent of participation in or promotion of divination? May our spirituality not be a loss for us or others.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
