In Acts 8, we come to the story of Simon the sorcerer, an early convert who foolishly believed he could attain spiritual gifts through bribery. He is rebuked by the apostles and seemingly follows their advice to “repent … and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven” (Acts 8:22), asking Peter and John to “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me” (Acts 8:24). In this morning’s service, like Simon we are warned not to “trust in treasured gold” (Hear Me, All You People—Psalm 49). Like Simon, we seek the Lord’s forgiveness, confessing that we are “evil, born in sin” and that none of our own striving can “save [our] guilty soul” (God, Be Merciful To Me—Psalm 51; Not What My Hands Have Done). And like Simon (presumably), we take heart that we serve a gracious God, who knows our feeble frame, who promises mercy and pardon, and covers our guilt with our Savior’s blood (Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven; Softly And Tenderly; Blest Is The Man—Psalm 32). Thank God that He deigns to save even greedy, bitter, sorcerous wretches like Simon—and like all of us. —Henry C. Haffner