Led by the Spirit: Journey Through the Book of Acts Part 1නියැදිය

Day 11: A Heart after God

In the Disney animated film Aladdin, a thief called Aladdin chanced upon a magic lamp and became the master of a powerful Genie who was able to make his wishes come true. With the help of Genie, Aladdin turned into a prince who won the heart of a princess and defeated an evil sorcerer.

It is human for one to wish to be like Aladdin, who has access to a great power to achieve one’s heart’s desire. We see such a desire in Simon the magician, who was enthralled by the miracles Philip performed in the power of the Holy Spirit and responded with faith to the gospel (Acts 8:4-8; 12-13). Simon’s faith might have been sincere, but it appeared to be shallow and incomplete. Impressed by the dramatic effects of people receiving the baptism of the Spirit (Acts 8:14-17), Simon offered the apostles money to acquire that same power (Acts 8:18-19). Simon, who once amazed people with his magic (Acts 8:9-11), wanted more power to boost his status and authority.

Before we criticise Simon for his greed, we can reflect on whether we are more like Simon than we like to admit. Like Simon, we may want to make a name for ourselves. Our longing for a more successful or significant life may make us treat God like how Aladdin treated Genie, expecting God to use His power to make our wishes come true. Praying may become like rubbing a magic lamp – we announce our desires to the Spirit and ask for His help to fulfil them. We act like Simon when we want to use God’s power to fulfil our personal ambitions or selfish gains.

The desire to own the power to impart the Spirit is to want to manipulate the Spirit of God. We cannot manipulate or manage God, and to think that we can do so is wicked. Persisting in such a wicked mindset will lead to destruction (Acts 8:20). God gives His Spirit to His people as a gift of grace that can never be bought or earned. Only God the Giver can decide who He gives the gift of the Spirit to. Those who want to harness God’s power for their selfish pursuits are doomed to be imprisoned in sin (Acts 8:23). Their only way out is true repentance and the Lord’s willingness to forgive (Acts 8:22).

Reflect

• The example of Simon teaches us that it is wicked to seek divine power with a worldly attitude. How can we guard our hearts against misused power as we seek the Spirit for His strength and His voice?
• Miracles do not always lead to faith, seeing as how Simon’s obsession with supernatural works corrupted his heart and hindered his relationship with God. How should we respond to the Spirit’s miraculous work such that our faith is not hampered but strengthened?