Tues Oct 12 devotion

[Pastor Joelle]

October 11
Philip, Deacon and Evangelist

Yesterday was the commemoration of Philip, Deacon and Evangelist.
Philip the deacon and Evangelist (not to be confused with Philip the
Apostle) was one of the seven Greek-speaking men (along with the first
martyr Steven) chosen by the apostles to distribute food and alms to
the widows and poor of Jerusalem.

After the death of Stephen Philip went to Samara to preach the
Gospel.

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. (Act 8:12-13)

It seems however, that Simon’s conversion and attraction to the
Gospel was based on power and miracles. Later on when Peter and John
joined them and prayed for the Holy Spirit …”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.’ (acts 8:18-19)

Peter rebukes Simon and Simon repents. I think this story shows us
that conversions don’t mean that people turn instantly to saints.
Sometimes we are attracted to the Gospel for the wrong reasons.
Sometimes we think being part of the church is about is about the
approval we get or even the power we can exert in the church. Peter’s
rebuke may at times be good for all of us “Repent therefore of this
wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the
intent of your heart may be forgiven you”

Gracious loving God, we repent of all the intents we may have for the
church that are other than your good and gracious will that all people
may come to know your love and forgiveness. Amen.