SIMON THE SOCERER< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>Acts 8:5-25

SaulÕs active persecution caused the disciples to be scattered and went everywhere preaching. Philip went to the city of Samaria and began to witness Christ. As Philip was witnessing, many people were converted and saw the miracles that he did. The witnessing of Philip brought forth healing over paralysis and it also brought forth deliverance from unclean spirits. Among his converts was a man by the name of Simon who had previously practiced sorcery in the city. Before the arrival of Philip, Simon was regarded as a great man with the great power of God. By virtue of the message that Philip was preaching, the people of Samaria listened to Philip. ÒThen Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.Ó (Acts 8:13) With this documentation about Simon, it is safe to arrive at the conclusion that Simon became a born-again believer and a follower of Jesus Christ. As Simon continued to follow the disciples of Jesus, however, he was later exposed. The kind of heart that Simon carried was revealed. What about you? What kind of heart do you carry in your following the Lord Jesus? Time will tell regardless of how long you have been carrying a different mind from that of true followers; one day it will come to light. This passage is a testimony to the fact today that many are followers just like Simon, but their hearts are not after Jesus. As the Lord would have it in the process of time, Peter was in location to expose Simon. Simon was able to witness the apostles giving the Holy Spirit to people by the laying of hands. Simon desired such power demonstration and went forward to offer money for the manifestation of such power in his life, ÒSaying, ÔGive me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.ÕÓ  (Acts 8:19) The business of God cannot be purchased by money, but is only receivable if you make yourself available for Him. Peter exposed Simon by saying; ÒYou have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.Ó (Acts 8:21-23) Simon was a believer but yet he carried a heart that was not right in the sight of God and he was poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity. This is serious because he was an acclaimed believer just like us, but his true heart condition was not revealed until he had an encounter with Peter. How is your heart? Can you give yourself a reality heart check and find out where you are? It will not take long before the truth will reveal itself.  Do not be a living Simon the sorcerer. Deception, lying and manipulation can only last for a moment because God cannot be deceived.