"Formerly Famous"
EPISODE 130
Focus on the Future
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Imagine starring in a blockbuster movie as a child, only to spend the rest of your career forgotten by Hollywood in your adult life. Would you miss the celebrity you once enjoyed? In Acts 8, we meet a magician named Simon, who knows that "formerly famous" feeling all too well.
He Was Boastful
"But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great"" (Acts 8:9-10).
Want to become "famous?" Many today hope to dazzle the world with their accomplishments. "Pay attention to me!" is increasingly problematic. But Paul calls this kind of boastfulness unrighteousness (Rom. 1:29-31). And Simon soon found out how short-lived celebrity is!
He Was Baptized
"But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ ... Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed" (Acts 8:12-13).
To Simon's credit, he accepted Christ's message and was baptized. He took a critically important step that we all need to make today. While God cleanses our sins through immersion in water (Titus 3:5), it's not the end of our story. And Luke continues Simon's.
He Was Begging
"Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit"" (Acts 8:18-19).
Simon's magic paled in comparison to the miracles of the apostles — and he wanted more. Old habits die hard, and Simon had a tough time letting go of his fame. What about you? Do you "pine away" for your past life, as Simon did? Fortunately, Peter offers the prescription.
He Was Bitter
"But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! ... Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity"" (Acts 8:20-23).
Peter told him to repent! And it's a message we still need today. Turn away from your past desires, and turn toward God in faith. Otherwise, you're living a life of bitterness — a slave to your sinful passions.
So as Simon begged Peter to pray for him, may God forgive us when we look back to our old life longingly. And may we change our focus from the past to a new future of faith in Christ!
