Acts 8:9-11
Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic.
Reflection
These verses describe a man named Simon who practiced sorcery in a Samarian city. Simon was a product of his culture. He did whatever was needed to promote his personal position and increase his own personal gain. Simon didn’t particularly think what he was doing was wrong it was just advantageous for him to practice sorcery because it brought him attention and I am sure that he was able to make money off his practices as well. This is where Simon was when he heard the good news of Jesus. His cultural reality was his starting place for his journey toward Jesus.
Think about people you know who don’t follow Jesus?
How has the culture formed their viewpoints and perspectives? What will be their starting place if they decide to change direction and follow Jesus?
