“Repent Of This Wickedness And Pray To The Lord!”

“Repent Of This Wickedness And Pray To The Lord!”
The word “simony” is derived from Simon. Simony refers to the idea of buying or selling of the free gifts of God. Simon was a magician in whom many people in Samaria both high and low believed in. They even exclaimed of him: “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.”
When Philip preached in Samaria those who followed Simon believed and were baptized. Simon himself believed and was baptized. It was noted that these people were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ but they had not yet received the Holy Spirit. The apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John who went and prayed with those new converts, laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
On seeing this Simon offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Peter responded: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
I like the repentant attitude of Simon who told Peter, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me” (Acts 8:9-25).
Bottomline dear friend is that the gifts of God cannot be bought with money. The Holy Spirit and the accompanying gifts which God dispenses are free of charge. They are neither sold nor bought! Selling or buying the gifts of God is an act of wickedness for which repentance is needed. Besides, a magician cannot claim that he has believed the goodnews, receives baptism and still want to buy the Holy Spirit to use in magic. God forbid!
Prayer: Lord thank you for the free gift of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!