Acts 16:13-15 (NRSV)
Read Acts 16:13-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. Verse 14A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. Verse 15When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she prevailed upon us.
Devotion
As a woman and immigrant to Philippi, Lydia stands outside the center of power. But as a wealthy dealer in valuable purple cloth, she also has power and substance. Lydia already worships God. She is down by the river, away from the center of things, when the Lord opens her heart.
The river becomes the place of gospel proclamation and therefore also the place of baptism. This place outside the gate becomes the fountain of faith and the center of new community. The waters are transformed by the Spirit to give rebirth to Lydia and her household. Then Lydia, the newly baptized, invites Paul to "come and stay at my home." Lydia's home becomes the place of hospitality and fellowship.
We often think the newly baptized are called upon to become part of our church, part of who we already are. But in this story, the newest member sets the table. Lydia's openness to God is matched by Paul's openness to Lydia. This is the story of the beginning of the Philippian church. Are our congregations open to transformation by our newest members?
Prayer
Open our hearts, Lord, as you opened the heart of Lydia. Open our churches, Lord, as Lydia opened her home.
Amen.