Not For Sale

Acts 8:18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.”

There are some things that cannot be bought or sold at any price. You can’t buy love. You can’t purchase a real friend. And there is no price-tag on the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s not for sale.

God is not influenced by money and he doesn’t need it. The Psalmist paints the picture of God’s people bringing their sacrifices and offerings, and the Lord reminds them…

Psalm 50:9 I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, 10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. 12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

But Simon the magician is probably not even thinking about trying to influence the Lord with a bribe. Simon is just trying to learn a new technique, a new formula of magic to manipulate people. He wants power and wealth. And this new magic is Simon’s new get rich quick scheme.

The apostle Peter puts his finger right on the problem: Simon, your heart is not right with God! The power of God is not for sale, but the Holy Spirit is the wonderful free gift to those whose heart is open to the Lord.

Open up your heart to God. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Meditation Exercise for this week:

· Read Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34

· What does it mean to love the Lord with your heart? How do you do it?

· What does it mean to love the Lord with your soul? How do you do it?

· What does it mean to love the Lord with your mind? How do you do it?

· What does it mean to love the Lord with your strength? How do you do it?