Tuesday, July 5 – Acts 8:9-13

Now a man named Simon had previously been practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; and all the people, from small to great, were paying attention to him, saying, “This man is the Power of God that is called Great.” And they were paying attention to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic arts.  But when they believed Philip as he was preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were being baptized. Now even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was repeatedly amazed.

What marked your life before you knew Jesus? What habits and ambitions defined you before you were changed by the Holy Spirit? Like many of us, Simon was looking for notability in his life, and he had been successful. He was known for his magic to the point that people called him the “Power of God.” In earthly terms, Simon achieved everything he could ask for—fame, power, money, and notoriety. Still, there was something he recognized as missing when he heard Phillip share the gospel.

Sometimes, we fall into the mindset that if we just have one more possession, one more promotion, or a little bit more income we would be complete. But when we look at the story of Simon and so many others, we see that you can have it all and still be missing the one thing you need in Jesus. All the wonder at and power of Simon could not fully satisfy him. When Phillip shared the good news about the kingdom of God, it was an opportunity for Simon to be transformed. Rich or poor, strong or weak, this is what we all need: transformation by the gospel and new life in Christ. Maybe there is someone you have hesitated to share the gospel with because they seemed to have it all together. The truth is that without Christ our souls are never truly satisfied. But when we are in Him, we truly lack nothing.

• How have you seen the reality that the things of the world cannot fulfill you?
• How have your desires been changed by the gospel?
• Pray and thank God that He gives you all you need.