God’s Power Not Magic

Text: Acts 19:11-20

Reflection and Question: I am a huge fan of Harry Potter and was entertained royally by Micah the Magician at The Magic Castle in Hollywood in February. And I know the limits of magic compared to the miracles attested in Scripture to Jesus and the first apostles. Actually, both magic and miracles come from an enchanted perspective inconceivable to us in the 21st century. We simply do not think in terms of an evil spirit exclaiming, “Jesus I know and Paul I know; but who are you?” How do you take Paul’s miracles described here? What is the difference between magic and miracles for you?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, Power Divine, we live in a time and place where magic and miracles mingle because both are beyond our reason and our senses. We trust You are the Power generating all good. Include us, as you did Paul, in Your good work. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).