by David Robinson
The Book of Acts 8 : 9-24 shares when Simon Magus (known as Simon the magician) sees that the power of the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of hands by the apostles, he offers the apostles money, desiring to be given the ability to give the power of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. Peter immediately rebukes Simon for believing that he could purchase the gift of God with money. Such motives are truly “wicked”.
The apostle Peter makes the critical point to Simon, that his heart is not right with God (verse 21).
Peter forthrightly goes on to say to Simon, that he is poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.
Peter tells Simon that HE needs to repent of this wickedness and that HE pray to the Lord for forgiveness of this sin. (so much for the tradition of a “priest” absolving another’s sins)
However, contrary to what the apostle clearly stated, Simon asks Peter to pray to the Lord on his behalf, so that “nothing Peter said would come upon him”. (verse 24)
Human pride has no problem with receiving healing but it has a big problem with admitting sinfulness, lack of merit before God, and the need for the cross. It is sometimes common for people to “ask for prayer”, when a consequence from rebellion or unkindness comes upon them. This is not only a lazy thing to do, but an unrepentant delusion.
Like Simon the magician, it is easy to “ask for prayer” from someone else, when what we really need to do is repent to the Lord DIRECTLY through Jesus Christ, asking forgiveness for OUR sin. By all means pray WITH somebody else, but be honest. This is responsibility before the all knowing Lord and means we do not insult Him with any whimsical denials.
Scripture says that God is faithful to forgive, IF we confess our sins. (1 John 1:9)
It is The Lord’s kindness that, His word and The Holy Spirit convict us of OUR sin.
Jesus said of The Holy Spirit that “HE will lead you in all truth”. (John 16:13)
Regarding truth, Jesus also said “Father sanctify them through the truth, your Word is truth”. (John 17:17)
Our loving heavenly Father, waits for us to admit where we’re at, so we can receive His loving grace.
God’s “judgement” on a matter, if we are truly sorry and come to The Father IN Jesus Christ, is “Mercy”.
Do not be afraid to get your heart right with Him. Ultimately, no one else can do that for you!
The Book of Acts 8 : 9-24 shares when Simon Magus (known as Simon the magician) sees that the power of the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of hands by the apostles, he offers the apostles money, desiring to be given the ability to give the power of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. Peter immediately rebukes Simon for believing that he could purchase the gift of God with money. Such motives are truly “wicked”.
The apostle Peter makes the critical point to Simon, that his heart is not right with God (verse 21).
Peter forthrightly goes on to say to Simon, that he is poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.
Peter tells Simon that HE needs to repent of this wickedness and that HE pray to the Lord for forgiveness of this sin. (so much for the tradition of a “priest” absolving another’s sins)
However, contrary to what the apostle clearly stated, Simon asks Peter to pray to the Lord on his behalf, so that “nothing Peter said would come upon him”. (verse 24)
Human pride has no problem with receiving healing but it has a big problem with admitting sinfulness, lack of merit before God, and the need for the cross. It is sometimes common for people to “ask for prayer”, when a consequence from rebellion or unkindness comes upon them. This is not only a lazy thing to do, but an unrepentant delusion.
Like Simon the magician, it is easy to “ask for prayer” from someone else, when what we really need to do is repent to the Lord DIRECTLY through Jesus Christ, asking forgiveness for OUR sin. By all means pray WITH somebody else, but be honest. This is responsibility before the all knowing Lord and means we do not insult Him with any whimsical denials.
Scripture says that God is faithful to forgive, IF we confess our sins. (1 John 1:9)
It is The Lord’s kindness that, His word and The Holy Spirit convict us of OUR sin.
Jesus said of The Holy Spirit that “HE will lead you in all truth”. (John 16:13)
Regarding truth, Jesus also said “Father sanctify them through the truth, your Word is truth”. (John 17:17)
Our loving heavenly Father, waits for us to admit where we’re at, so we can receive His loving grace.
God’s “judgement” on a matter, if we are truly sorry and come to The Father IN Jesus Christ, is “Mercy”.
Do not be afraid to get your heart right with Him. Ultimately, no one else can do that for you!