Master Of Disguise

Magicians are masters of disguise. In one instant you see a full-grown elephant; the next, it’s gone, vanished right before your eyes. You’re left thinking how did he do that?

Likewise, there have always been magicians – counterfeits – who have worked exorcisms, performed healings, and worked wonders. Maybe the source of their allusions come from slight of hand, or more likely, from Satan. The apostle Peter had a head-on clash with one such sorcerer named Simon. You will recall that Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began preaching Christ to them. Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city, astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone of power, prestige and influence. The Samaritans believed him, “from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God” (Acts 8:10). They believed him because they were influenced by what they saw.

As Philip preached the things of God and His kingdom and the name of Jesus, “both men and women were baptized.” Simon, too, also believed. When he was baptized, he even continued with Philip and was amazed at the miracles and signs of God.

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard of what was happening in Samaria, they sent Peter and John to investigate. When they arrived, they prayed for the people that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

Now when Simon saw the genuine article, he said, “Give me this power also.”

Peter sharply rebuked him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money.”

Simon was revealed. He was measured and found lacking. He wanted the power of God without the purity of God. He wanted to use the power of God for his own selfish gain.

In Matthew 24:24 Jesus tells us that, “false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect...” Paul echoes this same warning in 2 Thessalonians 2:9, “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.”

Paul issued the same warning to the Corinthian Church, “...for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).

We like to think that our enemy appears in some known form, fully outfitted with pitchfork and red satin cloak. However, Satan, the prince of darkness, disguises himself as an angel of light, a counterfeit. Something deceptively unsuspecting. He comes when least expected and in unexpected packages. He appears in attractive, good, and even morally appealing form. He appears through human agent. People who say all the right things, but their Bible-quoting magic greatly lacks substance. It can lead well-intentioned saints astray, alienating them from family and friends and potentially, destruction.

We are never to be fooled by external appearances. Impressions are extremely dangerous. We must ask ourselves, regardless of source, if what is being said confirmed by God’s Word? Are they proclaiming that Jesus is God? Does their life-style line up with the teaching of God’s Word?

If not, we are not to listen to them, but to reveal to them the One and only true source of all of life and He is King Jesus.

God’s miracles and signs will always help, heal and point us toward God. Counterfeits will always lead believers away from God and will promote their own selfish interests. Are you being deceived by a counterfeit that draws your attention away from God and to him or her? Are you supporting their work?

Father, I have been tempted and deceived to follow a counterfeit. It appeared to be someone of power, but I did not investigate their claims – they sounded so convincing. Help me to defend against all the schemes of Satan. Guard my heart. Don’t allow me to think for one moment that I am above being deceived. Never let me settle for anything less than Your very best for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Live Christ Deliberately!

Doug Morrell