Counterfeit
Acts 8:4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. 5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. 6 Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. 7 Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city. 9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. 10 Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” 11 They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic. 12 But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized.13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.
Simon was a kind of sorcerer and he had contrived a way to appear to be doing the same miracles as Phillip and wanted to keep up his reputation as The Great One! And his audience really listened to what he said, but his power was counterfeit at best and the true power of God was now being seen in the result of Phillip's preaching and ministering in the Name of the Lord. So the very one who was thought to have so much power even believed in Jesus and was baptized. There is no power that can outpower God's power and many will come and try to use the "power" thing to advance their position and it is usually done for self gain and wealth. Simon had held the people's attention for a long time and the appearances of his power gained him many followers, but the power of the message of hope and forgiveness that was preached by Phillip even convicted him and it drew him to Jesus.
Simon now had the "real" power and that power was the power of the gospel and he began following Phillip wherever he went and he was amazed at the signs and miracles Phillip performed!! The counterfeit power of sorcerers and magicians will always have to bow to the power of God. Which brings to mind those who weild supposed great power in our society and the reality they must face. The power of God is more powerful than any power they can have or know and the scripture that says in Philipians 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This scripture is true and the truth for those who think they hold such great power is that they too will bow the knee and confess that Jesus is Lord. Their counterfeit power may look big and strong now but God will show His mighty power in time and their's will fail miserably.
Keep in mind Simon even tried to buy some of the power he was seeing and asked Peter to sell it to him, to which Peter exclaimed in Acts 8:20 But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! 21 You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God.22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts,23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” So even after receiving Jesus we can fall into the earthly trap of wanting power and position and we must immerse ourselves in God's Word to keep ourselves growing and understanding that it is all about Jesus and The Message. The world's greed and evil will always try to counterfeit the gospel and the message of Christ, but stay true to the calling God has put on your life.
Note to self: Do not put your trust in earthly things and counterfeit power, but live your life in the power of the mighty one, Jesus Christ and Him onlyl. He is the only way, truth, and life and those who believe in Him will experience true power in their lives to live an abundant life of victory. Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
The Pilgrimage Continues......
David Warren