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"Lessons from Acts 8"
by Reverend Danny Rhoades
In ancient scrolls, an echoed tale unfolds,
From Acts chapter eight, where stories gold,
Speak of a merchant's quest, not for spice or silk,
But for power divine, a type to milk.
In Samaria’s streets, where many trod,
Philip proclaimed the might of God.
The crowds beheld, with awe so deep,
Wonders and signs, they wished to keep.
Yet one there was, with a darker aim,
Simon by name, who sought his claim.
In sorcery's grip, his fame had spread,
But now desired the Spirit’s thread.
Beheld he then what Philip wrought,
By the Spirit's hand, not goods bought or sought.
Believed he, too, and baptized was he,
A new man to be, or so thought we.
But soon it surfaced, old ways die hard,
When Peter and John, the Spirit’s guard,
Came to bestow what God had decreed,
Simon’s true colors showed in his creed.
"Give me this power," with coin in hand,
That on whom I will, might the Holy stand."
Oh twisted thought, to buy a gift,
A heart not changed, still set adrift.
Peter rebuked, the sin laid bare,
"Your money perish, for your heart's snare.
Repent of this wickedness, and perhaps be healed,
For bitter your root, and iniquity sealed."
So teach us, Acts, from ancient page,
Not by wealth, but by sage,
The Spirit’s power, from God descends,
Not bought, nor sold, nor for other ends.
A sobering lesson, from times of old,
Of hearts ensnared by the lure of gold.
True wisdom cries, from texts divine,
The price of the Spirit, no earthly coin, but a heart aligned.
Poem by Reverend Danny Rhoades
