That Wasn’t Magic

            I did a magic trick once.  Yes, just once – and I was trying too.  Fortunately my audience was a couple of young boys so I actually got away with it.  It would be fair to say that I would die as a pauper if magic was my occupation. 

            That’s why a couple of biblical stories concerning magicians catch my attention whenever I read Acts 8 and 19.  The first is the record of Philip’s ministry in Samaria.  This faithful servant of God was empowered to perform special miracles that drew the people’s attention to listen to the gospel message of salvation.  Many believed and were baptized into Christ, especially one that knew perfectly well that what Philip was able to do wasn’t magic.  Simon was a professional magician and he knew firsthand that God was at work in Philip and he himself was convinced and obeyed the gospel.  His reaction (being a specialist in the field) is proof to us that God was truly at work and that the miracles were true and not just superstitious allusions.

            The other case took place during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus.  This was a town full of paganism and superstition.  There were many there who practiced the magical arts and made a lucrative business by dazzling and misleading the people.  But when they witnessed the miracles God performed through Paul, they openly confessed their errors, obeyed the gospel and showed their repentance by burning their magic books.  They saw firsthand, like Simon, that what Paul was able to do wasn’t magic. Their reaction teaches us that Someone powerful is behind the message of Christ and we had better change our ways and follow His lead.

            Does God still do miracles today?  I think He does – but in a little different way.  Life itself is miraculous and who else but an infinite, powerful, almighty God could create and sustain it so perfectly?  The gospel of Christ is a miracle.  How else and what else could have the power to blow sin away (Romans 1:16)?  And the Bible: Only a miracle of God could have inspired and sustained it all these years without error and teaching us something new about God every day.

            Have you taken the time to notice God’s miracles?  They are not mistakes, coincidences, or magic.  They are God’s way of getting your attention.  They are meant to remind you of a higher power – One that loves you and wants to be with you.

            Take it from of the “experts” who witnessed His power firsthand.  Listen to Him; follow Him; love Him and live with Him.  What He’s done (and is still doing) is not magic.  It’s love.

Doug