In God's Name

Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18Now when Simon (the magician) saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God."  (Acts 8:17-21)

It is said that two things bothered soldiers coming back from the war during World War II. One was people who said, "We fought the war on the home front," and the other was people who wrapped themselves in the flag for the purpose of promoting themselves or their businesses. First, you have no idea what fighting a war means, so know, and no, you did not fight the war back home, and secondly, how dare you use the flag we fought for as publicity stunt! I'm sure men who fought in places like the Hurtgen Forest or Iwo Jima had little capacity for either.

In our look at how we use God's name, one thing we try to avoid if we are followers of Christ is to misuse his name. Today's passage shows us subtle ways people can misuse God's name that can be more deadly than calling down the wrath of God in a fit of anger.

Simon, a magician, sees the miracles that the apostles are performing and wants in on the action for his business as well. In short, he wants to use God's name to do miraculous things in the name of Simon. Pastor Eric notes that the sons of Aaron wanted in on a similar use of God's name in the temple and "fire came down from heaven and destroyed them." (Leviticus 10)

Peter calls him out for his action, telling him to repent. Ananias and Sapphira died after misleading followers by giving partially, not in whole, after Peter calls them out. Peter's words have power through the Holy Spirit. 

How do we misuse the name of God today? Far from cursing people or situations by using his name to bring down his wrath by damning a situation, we find creative ways to misuse it. Luther sums it up nicely over 500 years ago for us today: "We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear (oaths, promises, proof like Peter in his denial), use satanic arts (Simon), lie or deceive by his name....."

In short, know your own heart when you call upon God or use his name. We see his name used a lot these days, so don't join in as part of a crowd insincerely just to be part of the crowd. Luther tells us to use his name in finishing the thought above, "..., but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks."

Pray with me: Lord, we lift your name in time of need, thanks, requests, praise and worship. We ask for forgiveness when we wrap ourselves in your name just because it makes us look cool or helps us be part of the crowd. We ask your forgiveness for all the creative ways we've learned to misuse your name. We give thanks for the redemption you give us through Christ, for it is in his name we pray. Amen.