A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR
SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:9-13. Read this passage from Scripture to discover what the Bible makes of sorcerers, and of sorcery and magic and all kinds of superstitions.
TEXT: Acts 8:20, “Peter answered, ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!’”
Do you watch for cracks on the sidewalk for fear you might break your mother’s back? Do you turn right around when a black cat approaches? Would a ladder prevent you from passing under it? When you spill salt on the dinner table are you inclined to throw some of it over your shoulder? Do you have a rabbit’s foot? If so, you might be superstitious.
And do you know your Zodiac sign? As a high school student I noticed that perhaps the most popular line when chatting up young women in the 60’s was, “What’s your sign?” Are you one who faithfully reads your horoscope? If so, you might be what today we call “superstitious.”
The Scripture lesson from Acts 8 is one of a few biblical accounts that speak to the question of superstition, or more precisely to the question of whether there are unseen forces in the universe that somehow control or impact our destiny. In other words, the idea that there are unseen powers that make us lucky or psychic or some such thing. In the story, Simon Magnus, a leader in the Gnostic movement of the time and a sorcerer, is converted to Christianity because he sees the power displayed by Philip, Peter, and John. But he’s not sincere in his heart, nor does he believe in Christ. Rather, he wants the power to heal and call on the Holy Spirit. Consequently, not only was he superstitious, but he was also insincere. Simon’s real sin was that he cared nothing for the Gospel, but only the power it might give him.
Many Christian leaders today condemn all forms of superstition and magic as being the work of the Devil. In many cases that is true. People who fool around with dark magic and witchcraft are walking on thin ice and have no idea of the Devil’s power and desire to destroy them. But to reject these powers might also lead to a rejection of the Devil himself. At times the utter rejection of these powers leads to a kind of rationalism or materialism that denies the reality of the unseen spiritual or supernatural world. But Christians never denied the existence of a spiritual realm, which included angels as much as demons. It included healing miracles as much as demonic assaults. We are a faith that holds firmly to the reality of the supernatural in the natural world. We affirm Christ’s presence and power in the world, even as we respect the mystery it entails, and avoid trying to manipulate it to our advantage.
Staying alert and clear of the dark powers means remaining firmly in the light of Christ and being led toward the light by the Holy Spirit. In the moral sphere, it simply means clinging to the fruits of the spirit, shunning evil, loving kindness, showing mercy, telling the truth, rejecting greed and worldly power, and embracing the love that Christ has for us all.
ILLUSTRATION
When I was a little boy growing up in Paramount, California, I was a big fan of the Engineer Bill Show. It was a cartoon show hosted by a guy named Engineer Bill, and it featured his game called the Big Whistle. Ten numbers on a keyboard would hit a note, but randomly one number would be the sound of the Big Whistle, and the lucky kid who picked the right number would get a great prize from Engineer Bill.
Well Engineer Bill came to Paramount, and a throng of children lined up to have a go at the Big Whistle, and I was one of them. When my turn came, I was so nervous I quickly blurted out “Number Four!” Sure enough, I hit the Big Whistle and got a great prize for my guess. From that time on I believed the number four to be my lucky number. And any time I had to choose a number for some reward or prize, I faithfully chose the number four. It’s been about sixty years since that day and I can honestly say, I have never won a thing by betting on number four. My lesson to be learned was that it is better to trust the Lord than to trust the number four.
PRAYER
Let’s pray together.
God of providence, who holds our destiny in your hands, teach us to realize you alone are the Lord of our future. Help us to trust you in everything, never putting our faith in worthless superstitions, but clinging to your truth and guidance all the days of our lives. May we therefore rest assured that whatever may befall us, you are there to destroy any darkness, and bring us once and for all into the light. We pray this in Christ’s name. Amen.
Blessed Lent!
Linden