"Give Me this Power"

Philip the Evangelist went to Samaria to tell the people about Jesus the Christ. When the people responded to his message, many were healed from their afflictions and set free from demonic spirits.

A fellow living in Samaria named Simon the Sorcerer also believed key facts about Jesus. He submitted to baptism and then followed right alongside Philip, amazed when he saw the many miracles and signs. (Acts 8:13) But although actively involved in God’s work, Simon’s heart remained impure. He still loved the power he had exercised as a sorcerer, and now he wanted to exercise power under Jesus.

It all came to a head when Peter came to help Philip. After Simon the Sorcerer saw Peter laying hands on individuals so they might receive the Holy Spirit, Simon tried to get in on the action by offering money. He said to Peter, "Give me this power also. . . ." (v. 19 NKJV)

And at that point Peter received a revelation of Simon’s motives. "Your money perish with you. . . ." he said. (v. 20a) And, "your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent. . . ." (v. 21b)

We do not know what happened to Simon the Sorcerer, but he did ask for prayer "that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me." (v. 24b)

Originally published May 6, 1988.
Picture: Lilacs long the Red River of the North, Wahpeton/Breckenridge, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Answers to Prayer?

Jesus said to Philip, “he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also . . . And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (Jn. 14:12a,13a NKJV)

Wow. Is it possible that God answered every prayer Philip ever prayed after receiving this promise? Hardly, and I’m sure no reader thinks that was the case. Life doesn’t work that way. It didn’t even work that way for apostles.

Why aren’t our prayers answered? According to this portion of Scripture, it has nothing to do with doing an especially great job. Philip received the promise jut after Jesus set him straight on an important issue—yet Jesus gave him such a glorious promise.

Philip didn’t understand many things and we don’t understand many things. But we do know God wants us to pray, to come to Him in Jesus’ name. And we know we will never receive answers to prayer until we begin praying.

One key for receiving answers lies in aligning ourselves with Jesus’ name. If we align ourselves to Him, we're open to respond to His leading, His direction. Jesus said, “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (v. 14)

Originally published October 20, 1989.
Picture: Flowers in Las Vegas, NV. 2008. Photo by Solveig.