It’s Wednesday, and time for your daily devotion. Sometimes, in traveling, you meet exceptional people. On Paul’s second missionary trip, in Acts 16:1, he and Silas met Timothy, a young man of good report, from Galatia, a Roman territory. They brought him along with them. It’s great to meet other faith-filled believers from different areas. In today’s daily devotion, be willing to go beyond your borders and meet others in the faith.
Come Over to Macedonia
They visit many cities, spreading the gospel message while churches are established in the faith. In verse 9, as they sail, Paul has a vision of a Macedonian man saying, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Turning to that region in Southeast Europe, they set sail. While visiting two cities there, their next stop is Phillipi. Verse 13 says, they went to a riverside on the sabbath where women were praying. In your daily devotion, realize that you can be an answer to the prayers of those who need the light of the gospel to shine on them.
Lydia Receives Salvation
After sitting down by the riverside, they began speaking to the women. One named Lydia, a merchant of purple cloth, stands out. She’s a worshipper of the God of Israel, and the Lord opens her heart to the gospel. As Paul preaches, she is captivated by the message. She receives Christ as her Savior, making her the first recorded European convert. Not only does Lydia receive salvation, but her household as well, and they are baptized. In this daily devotion, know that some are eager to hear the gospel, and avail yourself of opportunities to do so.
Down By the Riverside
After Lydia and her household are baptized, she invites Paul and his companions to her home. In verse 15, she says, “If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there.” Lydia shows gracious hospitality. A woman of means because of her trade, she also has a servant’s heart. Paul has given her the words of life, and she offers kindness and generosity to his company.
Lydia shows commitment to the faith and support of the gospel. In today’s daily devotion, as Lydia demonstrates, be all in for the gospel, doing whatever you can to “wash the saints’ feet,” by helping those who preach the gospel take it further.
Hunger and Thirst
Lydia’s story is significant because it shows Christianity spreading outside Jewish borders and into Gentile territory. It shows the eagerness of non-Jews to receive the gospel. Originally, the Jews thought Gentiles were spiritual outsiders. However, Lydia shows a hunger and thirst for righteousness. She accepts Jesus readily when most Jews reject Him. Lydia and her family represent a pivotal moment in the early church’s expansion.
An influential woman, Lydia’s able to bring her whole house on board with the gospel. She symbolizes faithfulness and discipleship. As a woman of wealth and economic independence, she can assist Paul’s work. In your daily devotion, determine that you’ll do your part as a faith-filled believer by partnering with others to support the gospel message.
Doors Will Open Wide
In Wednesday’s daily devotion, being an established businesswoman, Lydia would have had many opportunities to share the gospel with others. She and Paul may have been lifelong friends, as their friendship would’ve provided him a place to stay when he revisited the area. Paul’s vision led him to Lydia, and her hospitality made her a spiritual ally. In today’s daily devotion, as the Lord leads you, meet believers outside your borders, and God will allow doors to open wide to receive you, too.
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