“Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Acts 3:6
Dear Ones:
In the days following Pentecost, and the outpouring of the Spirit, Philip came to Samaria to preach the Gospel. However, it would not be until the arrival of Peter, that the Spirit of God was poured out specifically on the believers in Samaria. It would be when Peter and John would lay their hands on the believers there, that the Holy Spirit was given to them. A believer and former sorcerer, Simon, after seeing what was transpiring by the apostle’s intervention, offered to give them money so that he could be the instrument by which the Spirit would be poured out. Peter would respond: “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” (Acts 8:20) In addressing Simon in this manner, we see with stark clarity that the Spirit of God, nor the blessing of God, can be bought…only received. Why is this so? Just as the Lord Jesus trod the wine-press ALONE, so He finished His work ALONE. It was, as He IS, singularly Divine and perfect, with not the flaw of man, nor the stain of sin upon it. If man could buy the blessing of God, man would be laying claim on the work of God “by right,” because had the resources to affect its use, reception, and application. Christ’s work is His ALONE…it can only be received…by faith.
In the writings of Isaiah, he confirms what is formerly stated. “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath NO MONEY; come ye, and buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (Is. 55:1) If money is NOT the issue, what we have to offer, then what is? Isaiah continues to write: “Incline your ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live.” (v.3) The question is simply, “Are we listening to hear what the Lord is saying, and are we willing to believe and obey Him according to it?” He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, the Spirit of Christ being the greatest blessing, but also, all that pertains to His GOOD will.
Dear Father, You have made it abundantly clear to us that riches, being increased with goods, and having need of nothing, is NOT the issue of life, but that of going to the door when Thy Son knocks, opening the door, and RECEIVING Him in. Give us grace to see clearly that riches can never be the means by which we come to Thee, nor the object of our trust. Indeed, Your word teaches us that, “…God…hath chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith.” (Ja. 2:5) Enable to open wide our hearts, to let the King of Glory come in, knowing for certain that He will do so. Then, we shall KNOW Thy Life within, Thy blessing without, and Thy purposes realized for the honor and glory of Thy Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad