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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 12, 2007 Magic |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, January 12, 2007 By Mike Martine
Acts 8:18-20: Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money!
Have you ever been in a magic shop?
Magic shops are fascinating. You see everything, from simple illusions designed to delight a child, to complicated tricks designed to amaze adults.
Of course, the better the trick, the steeper the price…
Simon, according to Acts, was a magician. He was actually quite famous in the region, but though many people listened to his words (because of his magic), when Simon heard the words of Jesus, he believed.
But, Simon hadn’t quite yet grasped the fact that this Jesus - whom he had accepted - was not about “magic.” He didn’t quite understand that these tricks were not for “sale.”
There’s a dangerous idea in our time that God’s blessings are, in fact, for sale. Some call it “seed money.” Give a little to the Lord, and you’ll get a lot in return.
There’s no doubt that giving brings blessing, but there’s no promise that “blessing” will equal cold, hard cash. God is not for sale. Peter’s words in this passage alone should suffice to convince us of that: “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money.”
No. In the last analysis, God is not interested in money. Yes, God wants us to give, because by giving we further the gospel and help others. But God is not for sale.
So what does God want? We know the answer: that we do justice, and love mercy, and walk humbly with him.
Let’s do these simple things…for then we shall know REAL riches!
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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