Acts 16:11-15
Putting out from the harbor at Troas, we made a straight run for Samothrace. The next day we tied up at New City and walked from there to Philippi, the main city in that part of Macedonia and, even more importantly, a Roman colony. We lingered there several days. On the Sabbath, we left the city and went down along the river where we had heard there was to be a prayer meeting. We took our place with the women who had gathered there and talked with them. One woman, Lydia, was from Thyatira and a dealer in expensive textiles, known to be a God-fearing woman. As she listened with intensity to what was being said, the Master gave her a trusting heart—and she believed! After she was baptized, along with everyone in her household, she said in a surge of hospitality, “If you’re confident that I’m in this with you and believe in the Master truly, come home with me and be my guests.” We hesitated, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. Acts 16:11-15 (MSG)
I am taken aback by the sheer magnitude of the impact that Lydia's conversion and baptism has on history. First, she listened to what the apostles were teaching. Then, she followed the Holy Spirit's nudge to trust, she didn't make excuses, and was quickly baptized. In fact, her entire household was baptized, too. It is widely accepted that Lydia was the first European convert which must have taken some courage and bravery. That's not something to be taken lightly!
I look up to "Lydias" who influence my life with their enduring and faith-filled legacies. My Grandma was the first convert in her family. She truly believes Jesus is her friend and loves Him ever so dearly. They have daily conversations and she is comfortable enough to tell Him how she really feels (the good, the bad, and the ugly). Her adulthood conversion compelled my own Mom to dive deeper and put her trust in Jesus. Not only did my Mom open her heart to Jesus, but she also opened our home to host numerous guests. Like Lydia, she did so with great hospitality, a warm meal, and an abundance of joy. As a child, my Mom poured prayers over me unceasingly that I'm certain she thought fell on deaf ears during my teen years. Even so, she never gave up on pointing me in the way I should go. It is this seemingly reckless hope that carried my Mom through a cancer diagnosis and on to her Heavenly home. The irony is not lost on me that I am writing this devotion on the third anniversary of her homecoming. As I use this time to reflect on her legacy, I am reminded of her courageous faith and the ways in which it has enveloped me and shaped my own beliefs and for that, I am forever grateful.
Questions for Reflection
- Who is a "Lydia" in your life that leaves a legacy of faith for you to follow?
- How are you a "Lydia" for the people around you?
- Identify unique ways that you can open your heart to Jesus and your home to His followers during this season.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the legacy of love that you have given us through Jesus Christ and for the hope-filled people that you put in our lives. Show us how we can open our hearts to You just like Lydia. Let us not forget Your faithful followers that have gone before us. In Your name we pray, amen.
About the Author:
Emily Lau - I'm a Lincoln transplant from Des Moines as of June 2020 after marrying my husband, Jason, in a pandemic-proof ceremony on my parents' patio! I bleed black and gold (go HAWKS), but will occasionally wear scarlet and cream to appease my husband. I am a registered nurse working as a Population Health Nurse Coach at a local family medicine clinic. I love spending my free time with family--my nephew and niece being the favorites. I haven't had the chance to, but look forward to meeting the many friendly faces at Southwood as soon as it is safe to do so!
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