Illusions vs Truth

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Acts 8:9-13
9But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great." 11And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

This passage tells of Simon, a magician in the city of Samaria, who claimed to be great and powerful. Simon's magic tricks had the people amazed and the people focused their attention upon him. I can just imagine Simon walking through the streets, greatly revered because of his mystical "powers". But in Simon's heart, he knew that he was only fooling the people. His illusions were indeed mysterious, but none the less, they were still illusions. Then Philip enters Samaria and is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. The people are compelled to listen to Philip praising and glorifying the Son of God who came to overcome the laws of death and sin for the people's salvation. The people in Samaria were searching for something amazing. They thought they had that with Simon, but when they heard the truth, they believed and were baptized. Even Simon believed Philip! He must have also been wanting to believe in something truly amazing and miraculous.

I think this passage really stands out to me because I have been a magician's assistant for about 8 years. I personally know that it's all about entertaining the people and not calling upon mystical spirits or powers. I used to finish the show thinking, "I can't believe I get paid to fool people." But truly, people are searching for something amazing. The problem is, that too often we look for something amazing that the world is offering us instead of looking at all the amazing things God is offering us. All the things in the world are smoke and mirrors. They are illusions. They do not last. In my past, I thought drugs were the key to enjoying life. I thought that if I could hallucinate a "good trip" every two weeks, I wouldn't care how crappy the rest of the week went. Lusting and adultery was another escape and alluring illusion. I thought that if I could catch the lust of a man, then I was "truly" beautiful and desired. But those were all illusions. Not only were they magic tricks, but they were life draining traps! It's like, people think that illusions are harmless because they aren't really there. However, if there was an illusion of a bridge over a chasm, and people when to walk on that fake bridge, then they would surely fall to their death! God doesn't want to lead us on with false promises. He backs all His promises up with a 100% guarantee. He is the real thing. He is not an illusion. He is also telling us the truth so that we can live a real, genuine life. Today, may my eyes be opened to the illusions that the world has set around me and may I choose God's truth always.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for being a truly amazing God. I know You are the real thing. Forgive me for seeking the illusions of the world. Keep me from straying. Lord, I pray for my loved ones, that they would no longer be bound by the magic of the world and that they would live in Your truth and love. I love You, Father. Thank You, Jesus, for breaking the spell and setting the captives free. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior I pray, Amen.