16^th June

“They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic. But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptised.”

Acts 8:11-12

Simon the sorcerer had been living in Samaria for many years, fooling the people with his deceiving trickery and claiming to be someone great from God. Yet when Philip came bringing the true Gospel and the power of Jesus Christ, people turned away from the ‘fake news’ and became hungry for the truth; hungry for the only One that can satisfy – Jesus Christ. Notice the text says, that even though many had been astounded and fooled by Simon’s sorcery, when they heard Philip’s message of Good News, they instantly turned away from the imitations, got saved, baptised and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Friends, anything less than Jesus, is a cop-out. It will always be second best. Nothing can compare to the Good News of Jesus, His life transforming miraculous work in our lives, His un-conditional love, and His grace and mercy to forgive and cleanse us of our sins. Other ‘stuff’ may fill or even entertain us temporarily but after the ‘fun, amazement, or initial satisfaction’ has worn off, it only leaves us feeling empty, yearning for something to fill our emptiness. Friends, it is only Jesus that can fill that gap in our lives. It’s only Him, His word, His spirit and His love that can make our hearts leap and be filled with joy.

Run away from anything that is an imitation of Jesus, or anything that tries to take God’s place in your life. Be like the people of Samaria, who heard the truth and turned away from the lies. Even Simon himself, who deceived many people for so long, eventually turned to Jesus. What a statement of the power of Jesus Christ.