Simon the Sorcerer from Samaria. Say that five times fast! Simon would have loved to hear his name spoken fast or slow. “He boasted that he was someone great” and was known as the “Great Power of God” (Acts 8:9-11 NIV). Upon hearing the gospel, he made a profession of faith and was baptized. However, Simon’s actions caused questions about the genuineness of his conversion.

After watching the Holy Spirit come on people through the ministry of Peter and John, Simon’s true colors surfaced. He offered them money and said, “Give me also the ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” As you read Peter’s response, imagine the tone in his voice (and the redness in his face):

But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity” (Acts 8:20-23).

Maybe Peter was thinking of Simon the Sorcerer when he wrote today’s passage.

1 Peter 1:18-19
…Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Redemption—our purchase from the slavery of sin—is brought about only by the “blood of Christ.” In Scripture, the shedding of blood refers to one’s death. It is only by the death of the Perfect Sacrifice— “a lamb without blemish or spot.” Redemption cannot be bought, earned, or inherited. Have you trusted in the “precious blood of Christ” for your redemption?

Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for the price he paid so that we could know you. Thank you for grace. I pray for those reading this who don’t know you. May today be the day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.