8:9 But there was a
certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and
astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to
whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is
the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them
with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he
preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ,
both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when
he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles
and signs which were done.

In North America and much of the "developed" world
Satan has taken a different approach. Rather than confuse our beliefs in the
supernatural world he has withdrawn from the "magic tricks" while
leading us to worship ourselves. We are placing our hope in our own abilities
to solve our problems and create a better tomorrow. This road of course is
failing. In every sphere we are heading toward total loss of control. You can
be sure Satan has a strategy to meet the void when it comes.
In Samaria Simon was just such a guy - a tool in the hands of
Satan to draw the masses into a false pursuit of hope. Have you noticed the
rise in psychic fairs, the Long Island medium etc...? Satan's strategy is
shifting here already.
However as in Samaria so it will be here. Satan has power but
he is not match for the genuine. When Philip came to Samaria with more than
miracles suddenly the magic shows lost their appeal.
Think of it this way: Money, good times, great sex, may all
be enough to keep a relationship going but when a true relationship comes along
those superficial things fade in comparison. Philip had more to offer than
tricks and thrills. His miracles were rooted in a Person. His message was rooted
in a Story. So compelling was the Story of Jesus which both completed the Story
of their Israelite roots and exposed the emptiness of Simon style religion that
even Simon himself was drawn in.
Many argue that the multitude of religions and the many competing
claims about the supernatural prove that it's all lies. It may seem that way
but no one counterfeits something that doesn't exist. False religion proves the
real deal exists and like true love, when the real deal is found nothing else
compares.
How is it with us? Is our religious experience merely
intellectual or habitual or a crutch or comfort in trouble? Is it an insurance
policy for the afterlife or is it rooted in a Person? We love a great love
story because it has roots and promises something much greater than cheap
thrills or the shallowness that pervades our society. Miracles are amazing but
love conquers all. Philip brought the real deal to Samaria and it changed
everything. He changed everything. Love Wins.
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