Acting Up and Out ~~ The Church Today

Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great. All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place.  Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money!   Acts 8

One of my favorite acts on America's Got Talent is usually the magicians or mentalists or anything that is beyond my ability to explain/has some mystery.  I love to be amazed and filled with wonder.  How in the world did they get that seven of clubs over there?  Or how did they know the judge was going to say that word?  I realize that it is about a slight of hand when I am distracted by something else.  But I got to tell you, magic is one of the ways I still feel wonder today.

So along comes Simon...not a simple pie man...rather someone who years ago was the David Copperfield or Penn/Teller of his day.  We are not told, but maybe he could make things disappear or maybe he could predict things.  But some how, he was able to amaze the people.  Until a new act came to town.  And Simon, doesn't get jealous or try to discredit Philip, rather Simon becomes captivated and converted by Philip.

On one level this passage is about the unfolding wonder in the Book of Acts, even people who knew how to do magic tricks found the disciples to be pretty interesting.  On another level, this passage too is about money.   Simon wants to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, which isn't for sale.  In some ways this is a reminder that when the church and consumerism share the same address, the results are not always great.  It is easy to let societies definitions of success start to seep into the sanctuary.  What's your membership...can start to sound like, "How many customers do you have?"  What's your budget... can start to sound like, if it isn't going the right ways, you are going to close.

Moreover, I think most people of faith won't mind some magic to turn their church around.  This is why books on church growth or how a pastor took a small church and grew it...continue to sell well.  There might be some Simon in all of us.  We want the power and possibility of making a difference.  We, like Jack, keep trading the goose for some magic beans...only to find that the beanstalk wasn't all we thought it was going to be.

On one level, we can look at this through magic and the ability to be mystified, wrapped in wonder.
On another level, we can shine a light on how we, like Simon, might get caught up in wanting to buy your way to success.
On a final level, it is interesting to step back and listen to Peter and James, unwilling to get caught up in the narrative of the world.  I find that to be challenging.  Can we, as people of faith, look openly and honestly at what we want...and why?  What are our deepest desires...what is the real reasons why?  Not that we should feel guilt or shame, but when we trust God with what is in our heart, we might find a real magic...but I like to call that Spirit, "Grace".

May there be more than a trace of grace for you in these days ~~