One thing that I have found out real quick is that there are those who are not going to like the word of God being spoken before them. In other words, persecution is a real thing. According to Dictionary.com, the definition of persecution states “A program or campaign to exterminate, drive away, or subjugate people based on their membership in a religious, ethnic, social, or racial group.” The more biblical definition states this according to study.com: “mistreatment or ridicule of a person or group based on their religious beliefs or lack of religious beliefs.” Persecution is out there and it is real. All we need to do is to turn on the television and see all the chaos and madness this world is producing. Because of it, it is slowly impacting the church. Not only is there persecution, but there are those who claim that they are a prophet from God but would use that for negative reasons. This is one of the reasons why cults start and form.
In today’s passage from Acts 8:9-25, we read about a sorcerer named Simon who people claimed that he was “The Great One-the Power of God” (Acts 8:10). When Philip came and started telling those in Samaria about the gospel message of Jesus Christ, Simon believed in it so much that he was soon baptized and started to follow Philip wherever he went (Acts 8:13). Later on in this passage, we see that Simon wanted to be equipped with the Holy Spirit and wanted to perform the same miracles that Philip was performing. Peter, who basically speaks his mind on more than a few occasions, told Simon that he could not have any part in this whatsoever because his heart was not right with God. How many times have we been like Simon and wanting to be part of something for the Kingdom and our hearts not being right? If we, as brothers and sisters in Christ want to be part of Kingdom work, then we have to go under self-examination and see how our hearts are. If our hearts are not where it should be, then nothing is going to get done. I challenge you to not only read Acts 8:9-25, but also go under self-examination to see how your heart is with God. Make sure that your heart is for Him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray for Your family. You know that we struggle with a lot of different things in our lives. I pray that we would continue to press forward towards You and not the things of this world. Help us to grow with You and be more in tuned and engaged with You. When things begin to surface, help us to not be distracted nor be consumed by the things of this world. Help us grow each and every day in Your word and in Your wisdom.
In Jesus name,
Amen