Empty Spectacle

January 2, 2018

DAILY READING

Acts 8: 4-13
This weekend’s reading: Psalm 89: 5-37

FIELD NOTES

Simon the Sorcerer had been captivating the people for some time when Philip rolled into town. Where Simon offered up spectacle, Philip offered something different. Philip came in with healing, miracles, and most of all, the truth of Jesus Christ.

We like to think we know the truth when we see it. We can read a story like this and easily say, “I never would have been fooled by Simon the Sorcerer.” But is that the truth? Do we know the Gospel when we see it today?

More importantly, are we actually Simon, boasting of our Godliness, and yet offering nothing but empty spectacle?

The hungry still need fed. The homeless still need shelter. The orphans still need mothers and fathers.

We all still need Jesus in a deep, deep way. We need a faith rooted in the truth of Jesus Christ, and not an empty show.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• How often to I boast of my own works, without even realizing it?
• What can I do to be a Philip and not a Simon?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What are some real ways in which we can show Christ’s love as a family this week?

PRAYER GUIDE
Lord help not to be full of empty spectacle, but to have real faith behind my words and deeds. Help me live in a way that allows you to become greater, and myself to become less. In your name Jesus, amen.