Daily devotion – Are you offended?
Acts 8:18–23
In Acts of the Apostles 8:18–23, when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, asking for this same power. But Saint Peter rebuked him sharply, telling him his heart was not right before God and calling him to repent of the bitterness and sin within him.
We live in a very sensitive world at the moment. It seems everybody is quick to say, “I am offended by that.”
How do you think the Apostle Peter would get on in today’s church?
Back in Acts chapter 5, Peter confronted a couple and declared they had lied to the Holy Spirit. Now in Acts 8, he confronts Simon the magician and tells him plainly that he must repent of his poisoned, bitter heart. Strong words indeed.
Yet this same Peter would later give his life for Christ, crucified upside down because of his unwavering faith.
The preaching of the Word of God — whenever the Bible is opened and faithfully taught — cuts like a two-edged sword. It never allows the hearer to remain neutral before its piercing truth.
So how do we respond when we sit under God’s Word?
Do we react like the world and become offended?
Or do we bow in humble submission, receive its correction, repent where needed, and wisely follow what God commands?
The time is coming when many who claim the name of Jesus with their lips will reject the teaching of God’s Word and search instead for what is more comfortable and pleasing to their own desires. They have itching ears!
But those who truly love the Lord recognise His loving correction in Scripture and remain thankful for His guidance and instruction.
Where do you sit in this matter today?