Acts 8:9-25
Reflect
Motives are defined by Merriam Webster as “something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act”. As we read the account of Simon the sorcerer in our passage today, we observe a man who, from all accounts, has mixed or impure motives. When Philip comes to town and the focus of attention shifts off Simon, this must be a bitter pill for Simon to swallow. So, Simon tries to hop on the “Jesus Train”, if you will, to see if it can take him back to the place of popularity he once had. The true motives of Simon emerge when he, in essence, tries to buy the filling of the Holy Spirit from Peter and John. Peter’s confrontation of Simon is a call to repentance, and to a heart that is humble before God. Scripture shows us Simon was not the only one to struggle with pure motives. There were many, including the disciples who were vying for top spot in the throne room of heaven (Mark 10:37).
With our theme this year being centred around following Jesus, this passage presents to all of us a good opportunity to evaluate why we are following Jesus. What are our motivations? The good news is that even if we struggle with selfish motives there is hope. God, who sees what our true motives are, calls us back to following Jesus because He is the only one worth following.
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his ministry and family.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kliewer, Lia Daniels, Mike Ross, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Trevor Toews, Uwem Okome.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our office staff: Vicky Bailey, Naomi Voss; Bookkeeper Lynette Carlson.