“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:18-19
The proverb is not new. You have heard it; perhaps even used it from time to time.
“Don’t cry over spil ed milk!” It makes sense when it references the literal action. Once milk is spilled, there is no retrieving it. But, the proverb is extended to so many different contexts in which it makes little to no sense at all. Consequently, in those metaphorical contexts the proverb should be reversed: “Cry over spil ed milk!” Think with me!
From the pages of Holy Writ in Acts Chapter Eight comes the story of one Simon who was by profession a sorcerer, a resident of Samaria. In refusal to second guess the Word, let it be understood that this Simon became a believer, was baptized, and continued with Philip, beholding the miracles which were wrought. V. 13.
When Peter and John came to help the new believers, they received the Holy Spirit as the Jerusalem Church had. Simon was impressed! He wanted that power, and offered the apostles money for it. Simon spilled the milk of a heart given to profiteering in spiritual affairs; of not forsaking the old ways of a sinful world. This was a problem to new Jewish believers, and to many today. Peter rebuked him in most stern terms for the iniquitous thoughts of his heart. In other words, he was admonished to “Cry over spil ed milk” in the sincerest manner of heart and mind that he might be forgiven his sins. Additionally, Simon begged the apostles to pray to the Lord for him: to help him cry over his spilled milk that he might be forgiven, and the tragedy of his “spil ed milk” forever made right.
To even the most casual observer, it is evident that the milk of life that could be used to honor God, and benefit men is spilled in evil ways. Some of the more obvious of these ways is the procedure in spiritual affairs without regard to the plain teachings of the Word. This is exactly the meaning of the term “Iniquity.” When religious men deceive and lie to profiteer from Christianity or promote self, they identify with ancient Simon the sorcerer. If they are saved, it can only be hoped that they will, as he did, cry over spilled milk while the milk of life may be saved to God’s honor.
FOR THOUGHT: When symbolic milk is spilled, do you cry (verbally lament, regret, and seek to recover) over it? What if the symbolic milk is sin? How do you feel about Simon’s attitude after Peter’s stinging rebuke?
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
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