“Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!" Acts 8:20These words are more pertinent today than ever before.
In this specific instance, Peter shouts this to Simon because this would make all the work of God be just for his own glory, not that of God or even of the growing church. I do feel, though, that this response speaks even louder on a broader context: God is not restricted to a single social class.
In today's society, there are lots of things that cost money. Higher education, particularly for my generation, is quite expensive, and sometimes can seem to be reserved for people belonging to a certain pay bracket. Housing is another expense. And, still, healthcare here in the United States is terribly expensive, even with these controversial aids to make it more affordable, There are even churches - yes, you read correctly, churches - that demand so much money just to become a member, or at least to be in a supposed communion with God: pay this amount, and God will bless you. But, we have this situation where Peter says that God cannot be bought.
Another issue we face is the fact that money speaks louder than ever. We have politics that are driven by the flow of money, from corporate sponsoring to individual spending. The richest nations dictate which way the money flows and which policies are correct and not. We even have churches that can only be heard when they have the money to spend on a radio station, TV station, or even a megaphone.
I find all of this to be scary, because I am not a person of wealth. I know that I am by no means the poorest guy out there, but I still feel somewhat powerless against this wind that money blows. However, when I read that God cannot be bought, I find comfort, because I know that God is reaching out just for me, for free.
Another way of looking at this is that God costs everything: our pride, our own ideas about what makes us happy, our will, and even our finances.
ReplyDelete"Sell all you have and give it to the poor." (Matt 19.21)
"In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples." (Luke 14.33)
"When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him." (Luke 5.11)
"Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common." (Acts 4.32)
"I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" (Phil 3.8)
You're right that there is no specific amount associated with following Christ, except that we give away everything we have - the example of the widow's mite teaches us that clearly (‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’ (Matt 33-34) - and grace is most definitely a free gift, but this is the incredible paradox: It is a free gift that costs us everything. As Karl Barth said: "Do not fear the wrath of God; fear the love of God, for it will tear away everything."
I appreciate this, and I totally agree. It's to say that purchasing God for a specific price would be a way of adding to one's pride. Giving oneself over entirely to God is truly the only way to have communion, for there is no individual amassing wealth.
DeleteAlso, in the study note in the Orthodox Study Bible, it says that Simon wanted to purchase the Spirit so that he could show it off - to add to his 'act'.
Thank you for reading and discussing!
I appreciate this, and I totally agree. It's to say that purchasing God for a specific price would be a way of adding to one's pride. Giving oneself over entirely to God is truly the only way to have communion, for there is no individual amassing wealth.
DeleteAlso, in the study note in the Orthodox Study Bible, it says that Simon wanted to purchase the Spirit so that he could show it off - to add to his 'act'.
Thank you for reading and discussing!