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No Trick
July 28th, 2016
Acts 8:9-25
The great magician, Harry Houdini, was the son of a rabbi. Although a religious skeptic himself, Houdini had great impatience with magicians who claimed supernatural abilities for their illusions. His exposure of fake mediums and spiritualists eventually led to the end of his friendship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As a man who had mastered many complex escapes and illusions Houdini knew the hard work, strength, and skill required to pull them off successfully.
Simon, a sorcerer from Samaria, came to faith in Jesus Christ under the ministry of Philip. He was astonished at the “great signs and miracles he saw” (Acts 8:13). When Simon saw Peter and John pray and lay hands on believers, who were then filled with the Holy Spirit, he offered money for the ability to do the same. This brought Peter’s swift rebuke.
Magical illusions may be amusing, but the true power of God cannot be bartered or sold. The miracles of faith bring glory to God, not another.
Author: Duane Brush
