May 12
 Simon vs. Peter

You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.
Acts 8:21,23, NASB

Did you know that a man can adhere to the church and still have sin lurking in his heart? When Simon the sorcerer heard Philip preach, he was drawn to Jesus, baptized, and began following Philip everywhere. But God knows the true motives of our hearts. Simon soon came face-to-face with Peter. The Bible tells us that when Simon offered the apostles money for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the true motives of his heart were revealed. Peter, perceiving that Simon’s relationship with God was at issue, responded urgently, saying, “Repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:22, NASB).

Simon was seeking promotion without the price. Promotion only comes from the Lord. As William Gurnall said, “The sweet bait of religion has drawn many to nibble at it who are offended with the hard services it calls to.  It requires another Spirit than the world can give or receive to follow Christ fully.” Peter tried to get Simon to recognize his error, but there was no humility or shame on Simon’s part. Some historians record that after Simon’s “day in court” with Peter, he went back to his old ways and became a bitter opponent of Christianity.

We must individually pray for God to cleanse us and make us pure. The first thing that must be done with sin is to repent of it, the second is to seek forgiveness, and then we may follow Christ fully.

Numbers 21; Psalms 60-61
Isaiah 10:5-34;  James 4