Magic?

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Acts 8:9-24

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.

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now 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.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. 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 the chains of wickedness.” Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me.”

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Cold late night so long ago
When I was not so strong, you know
A pretty man came to me
Never seen eyes so blue
You know I could not run away, it seemed
We'd seen each other in a dream
Seemed like he knew me
He looked right through me
Yeah

"Magic Man" by Ann and Nancy Wilson from "Dreamboat Annie" by Heart

The man in the song "Magic Man" seems to be a lot like Simon the magician, often called Simon Magnus. He's a charming man. He's a man with power and a bit of authority. He likes using his power to his own purposes. We will never know whether Simon wanted his power for good or evil, but Magic Man we know. The Magic Man of this song was a seducer of girls on the edge of becoming young women. He was dangerous.

Simon Magnus was a man who wanted the adoration of the masses. From the greatest to the least, the people say "This man is the power of God that is called Great." Upon his baptism, he knew that there was wonder and power and glory beyond his own. He knew this was in the person and the power of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us so. Simon actually knew there was power greater than his and maybe he even knew this joyfully. Still, it is easy to imagine it bothered him to discover he was no longer the top dog in the mystical kennel.

Then when Peter and John came to town and baptized the community in the name of the Holy Spirit, more wonderful and glorious things began to happen. What a wonder and what a joy. And what a source of grief for Simon Magnus, he was not only no longer top dog, he wasn't even a player in the pack anymore.

So he offered cash. Make me like you, he begs. “Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Why did he want this power? Was it to spread the word of God or was it to regain his old glory. It looks like personal glory, at least that's how Peter and John responded to the request.

Momma is worried that her daughter is being swept off her feet by the Magic Man. Is he wooing the girl to be his bride and start a family? Or is he seducing her to take her body and use it like playground equipment? Momma has a right to be worried. So does her daughter. The Magic Man wants what is magic for his own purposes, his own agenda. He does not want her for what is good for her, what he wants is what's good for him.

Beware of the Magic Man, but also remember when he is called what he is, and when his silver is called to rot, when his charms are called the manipulations they are, they are unarmed. They are sent off. Beware, and be bold.