Devotionals for July 25, 2023
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READ
Acts 16:11-15
11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there for several days.
13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there for several days.
13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
REFLECT
Who is the Gospel for? The wealthy and privileged?
Lydia was definitely a wealthy woman. Purple cloth was highly prized and expensive. She was selling the Versace of her day. But despite her stature in the community that her riches afforded her, she was still open to the Gospel of Christ. “The Lord opened her heart” is subtle but tells a deep truth. God came knocking and she responded. God doesn’t force people into faith, He invites them. Her influence was so great that her whole household believed and was baptized. For a woman at that time to hold so much sway over other people was incredible. Not impossible, but incredible. She used her wealth and privilege to advance the Kingdom of God and take care of Paul and his companions even though they had just met.
Is the Gospel for the wealthy and privileged? Absolutely. Is it only for the wealthy and privileged? Absolutely not. It is for all those whom God calls.
Lydia was definitely a wealthy woman. Purple cloth was highly prized and expensive. She was selling the Versace of her day. But despite her stature in the community that her riches afforded her, she was still open to the Gospel of Christ. “The Lord opened her heart” is subtle but tells a deep truth. God came knocking and she responded. God doesn’t force people into faith, He invites them. Her influence was so great that her whole household believed and was baptized. For a woman at that time to hold so much sway over other people was incredible. Not impossible, but incredible. She used her wealth and privilege to advance the Kingdom of God and take care of Paul and his companions even though they had just met.
Is the Gospel for the wealthy and privileged? Absolutely. Is it only for the wealthy and privileged? Absolutely not. It is for all those whom God calls.
APPLY
Q: In contrast to today’s perception of “privilege”, what does Lydia do that is different?
Q: Should a person’s status define to whom and how we share the Gospel?
Q: When training others to share the Gospel, what does Paul’s example with Lydia say to us? Think about the words “And she persuaded us.”
Q: Should a person’s status define to whom and how we share the Gospel?
Q: When training others to share the Gospel, what does Paul’s example with Lydia say to us? Think about the words “And she persuaded us.”
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Heavenly Father, help us to realize that we are the privileged ones whom You have called to share Your love to the world. Help us to follow Your will with gladness and boldness.
Heavenly Father, help us to realize that we are the privileged ones whom You have called to share Your love to the world. Help us to follow Your will with gladness and boldness.