Passage of the Day:
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[a] of Macedonia. And we stayed there 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, Acts 16:11-15.
Reflection:
In the first century, Jewish synagogues were required to have a minimum of 12 men to establish their own house of worship outside of Jerusalem. Luke indicates that the Roman colony of Philippi did not have enough Jewish men for a place of worship. Subsequently, Paul, Silas and Luke held services outside of town, along the banks of a river. Unfortunately, when these men looked for a group to share the good news about Jesus, the only one’s present were women. Luke mentions a woman from Thyatira who accepts Jesus into her heart along with her household. Lydia is so moved following her baptism that she opens her house to establish the Church in Thyatira. This is how one first century woman provided leadership in the absence of Christian men.
Prayerful Action:
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate, Proverbs 31:30-31.
Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:
In a rare first century move, Luke does not mention Lydia’s husband. Luke uses a blanket statement, “along with her household.” While it’s assumed that everyone living in Lydia’s house enters into a personal relationship with Jesus, Luke is likely referring to her husband and children. Yet, it is apparent that Lydia is the spiritual leader of her home and a woman of prayer. To all of my female readers, this is how you provide leadership in the absence of Christian men by hungering and thirsting for righteousness, Matthew 6:33.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
The female band Fireflight possesses a modern-day Pat Benatar sound. As you listen to the lyrics of Core of My Addiction, may you be inspired to make seeking God’s first a main priority.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 