"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.

An Overflow of Life

When Jesus talked with the woman at the well of Samaria, He said, whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never thirst. (Jn. 4:14a NKJV) He was identifying the Spirit of God that flows from Him as a type of spiritual water. Because water is necessary for life, He was identifying Himself as a source of life.

Life-giving water from Jesus doesn’t necessarily satisfy physical thirst—although it might. It’s especially designed to satisfy spiritual thirst and longing. Jesus said, the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. (Jn. 4:14b)

Even after Jesus satisfies an individual’s initial longing for spiritual life, He continues to pour Himself and His life into those who drink from Him. Yielded people—individuals who are willing to be empty, receptive vessels—experience an overflow of His living water, His abundant life, His Holy Spirit. Describing the person who receives, Jesus said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (Jn. 7:38b NKJV)

Originally published September 18, 1987.