Lydia Heard

And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.
Acts 16:13-15

The three verses above sum up Lydia’s involvement in the apostle Paul’s second missionary journey. Though we know nothing about her except what this passage reveals, she sets forth in this short account a tremendous testimony of faith which the Lord richly rewards. Not only does she grow greatly in her spiritual understanding, but her entire household comes to saving faith in Jesus Christ! Don’t we desire the same for ourselves and our loved ones? Then let’s examine the qualities evident in our sister in Christ.

First note that it was her custom to gather on the Sabbath day by the riverside to pray. In other words, she was diligently seeking God, and what does Heb 11:6 teach us about such individuals? God rewards those who do so! Also, we find Lydia to have been a faithful worshiper of the true God. There was much she didn’t know of God because the things Paul preached concerning Christ were new to her ears, but she was walking faithfully in all the light she had. Paul encouraged the Philippians in Php 3:15 to follow his example and press on in all the understanding God had given, reminding that “if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you”. In other words, if we walk obediently in the light we have, God will give more light! Finally, we see Lydia had a heart for service as evidenced by the way she begged Paul and his companions to stay in her home. God will not overlook such compassion shown toward His children. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Heb 6:10)

As faithful as Lydia was, she’ll still cast her crown at the feet of Christ along with all the other worshipers in Rev 4:10. It is the Lord Who gets the glory in Act 16:14 for opening “her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul”. What a glorious proof text for what Christ taught in Joh 15:5: “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” God didn’t just present the truth to Lydia. He also moved on her heart to believe and obey the truth Paul declared! Hallelujah, what a Savior!! I’m reminded of the work of the Lord upon the disciples in Luk 24:45, “And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” Where would we be without Christ? Along with Lydia and every redeemed sinner we sing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev 5:12)

Jamie

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