I really like Chris Rice’s music; he reminds me of a Christian James Taylor. Chris does a song called “Magic Wand” and I awoke with it running through my mind. That’s always a sign that God is trying to teach me something. Chris’ song taught me a new word—prestidigitator. It means sleight of hand and it is a word used to describe a magician.

Chris’ song speaks of wishing he had a magic wand like the magician’s and he sings:

    Now twenty-three Novembers later
    The prestidigitator
    Still holds a power in my mind
    ‘Cause I’d like a quick and easy way
    To look inside and make a change
    A magic wand would do me fine

    I would wave my magic wand
    I would say the magic words
    Working up a miracle
    Puttin’ on a show
    Changing what I thought to be
    Unchangeable reality
    If I had a magic wand of my own

I know, right?! Imagine having a magic wand to change what you think is unchangeable reality.

There would be only one problem with that. You would be without faith in Jesus. If you could fix all your problems in this world then why would you need Jesus? Knowing yours and my humanness, we wouldn’t need Him. Worse yet, we wouldn’t want Him.

Not wanting Jesus.

Sad!

Jesus’ words at the Last Supper would be meaningless to you and me:

    “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

I know myself; if I had a magic wand of my own I would definitely wave it and say the magic words, putting on a show as I worked up a miracle, thinking I am actually changing what I thought to be unchangeable reality.

If I had a magic wand then I would deceive myself into believing I wouldn’t need Christ’s comfort:

    “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16)

If I had a magic want then I would have no need to be a new creature in Christ; I would no longer abide in Jesus:

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If I had a magic want then I would never experience the peace of God:

    “…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

If I had a magic want then I would foolishly try to change my unchangeable reality and not realize that it is through tribulation that we strengthen our faith and enter into the kingdom of God:

    “…strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’” (Acts 14:22)

If I had a magic want then I would not experience the joy in trusting Jesus in the midst of trouble:

    “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (Acts 27:25)

If I had a magic want then I would not experience the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ the King:

    “Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.” (1 Corinthians 15:24)

Because Chris Rice is a Christian he does not trust in magic wands. He trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father:

    The only way to really change
    Is simple choices everyday
    Obey the Spirit-whisper in my soul
    With the help of God, a little time
    Can change a heart, renew a mind
    Without a magic wand He’ll work a miracle…

Do you have a magic wand? Throw it away.

Have you been looking for a magic wand? Give it up.

Trust in Jesus, first for salvation and then in all areas of your life.

Without a magic wand He’ll work a miracle…

In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4

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    Copyright © 2010 David Jeffers

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