Reflections on "Is the Touch for Sale?" Numbers 27: 18-23; Acts 8: 14-25

One more week of the "Touch of God" series.  As part of the response to the sermon, we received new members, and I laid on hands on them as part of the ritual.  I didn't mention it in the sermon, but it was an obvious illustration of being touched.

 

I think the sermon held together ok.  It was shorter than usual because of the added new member reception and recognition of the graduating high school Seniors that took place in the worship service.  No one complained about a shorter sermon!

 

“Is the Touch for Sale?” Acts 8: 14-23; Numbers 27: 18-23; FPC, Troy; May 17, 2015

Move 1: The laying on of hands has been going on among God's people for a long time.

a. We read the passage in Numbers and are reminded that Moses laid hands on Joshua to confer on him the mantle of leadership of God's people.

1. As Moses laid on hands it was a symbol for God's people that Joshua had been chosen.

2. But it also conveyed to Joshua the power of God that will be at work through him as he leads God's people.

b. Peter and John have been laying on hands.

1. Their touch carries the power of God and the bestowing of the Holy Spirit.

2. A symbolic ritual that shows forth the presence of God.

3. But also the conveying of the power of the Holy Spirit.

100. Meet Simon.

1. A believer; he's been baptized; he hangs out with Philip watching all that Philip does. Mesmerized and amazed by what he sees.

2. He perhaps appreciates what the disciples are doing more than most because he himself is a magician.

3. He does amazing, magical things.
4. But he recognizes that the disciples offer something more. 

5. And he wants what they have.

6. He wants the power to confer God's touch and the Holy Spirit with a touch.

7. He asks Peter is he can buy what Peter has.

8. Simon is not really a bad guy. In fact, when Peter challenges him for wanting to buy God's power, Simon repents.

9. I suppose he could not help himself. He recognizes the value of God's touch, and he wants it.

Two thoughts about this story this morning.

Move 2: The touch of God is not magic.

a. Notice the contrast created between Peter, Christ's disciple who baptizes and lays on hands, and Simon, who is a magician.

1. In fact, astute readers might remember that Peter is also known as Simon Peter in other places. The point being made that Simon and Peter are not far apart.

2. Except that Simon is offering magic and Peter is offering God.

3. It would not have been unusual for a magician to be part of the daily life in this time.

4. magicians doing things that amaze and cannot be explained.

5. No doubt some thought that Jesus was a magician with all his healings and miracles. At least until his magic ran out, so to speak, with his death on the cross.

6.   Probably some thought the disciples were magicians as well.

b. But this story announces to the world that Jesus' followers are not magicians -- their touch conveys the power of God.

1. The touch of God is not magical.

2. The touch of God is not merely a tactile experience.

3. but a new life given to the person by the power of God.

Move 3: The touch of God is not for sale.

a. Not the first time people have turned God into a business.

  1.  Indulgences of the Catholic Church. Indulgences may have solid ground as a theological concept, but by the late Middle Ages, the buying of indulgences was little more than buying God's favor for yourselves and for you relatives who have died. (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/286800/indulgence)

2. Robert Tilton – purchase his handkerchief. If he's wiped his brow, then it costs a bit more.

3. Sometimes we link our giving back to God with buying God's favor. If I give enough, surely God will be present for me. .

b. For Simon, purchasing the touch of God is purely a business transaction.

1. The word translated "power" (exousia) in vs. 19 denotes the legal authority to make decisions (New Interpreter's Bible).

2. is suspect there was a market then, and there will always be a market for those who desperately seek God's presence and will buy anything that might bring them God's touch.
   
   3. it would have been lucrative for Simon if he had been able to buy the ability to convey God's touch and the power of the Holy Spirit.

100. But God's touch is not for sale.

1. it is a gift.

2. A gift given by those who serve God to those who desire to have God present in their lives.

3. A priceless gift because there is no price attached to it.

4. the gift that comes free from God through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

5. Simon can have it, but he cannot buy it.

500. Jim Harrison – fist bump.

1. Some of you may remember Jim Harrison. He was a regular in the Chapel service. In fact, he was part fo the usher brigade of men who told people where to sit and hand out worship folders each week.

2. He sent most of his adult like as a baseball manager. I suppose that's where he got the idea, but every week when I walked down the aisle after the Benediction, he would give me a fist bump.
   
   
3. A free touch.

4. Probably too dramatic to liken it to Peter's touch, but it was there every week, good sermon or bad; no price to pay; just a free touch.
   
   5. I never asked him why and he never offered an explanation. I figured it was his way of offering support, of acknowledging that we were connected, of noting our common ground we shared as fellow followers of Christ. Of course, he could have just liked to give fist bumps!
   
   6. Each week a free touch. A gift from Jim.

Conclusion: As you leave worship this morning, the youth will be handing out a free gift. A simple bracelet in Presbyterian blue with “touched by God” inscribed on it.

A free gift for each of you to remind you that the touch of God cannot be bought at any price, but it is given to you. A free gift.