MONDAY, AUGUST 22
13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Acts 16:13-15
WEAR THE UNIFORM
Acts 16:13-15 illustrates the story of Lydia, in which she places her faith in Jesus Christ and is immediately baptized. Verse 14 specifically says that the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. This is significant as it is the Lord who initiates relationship with Lydia, He makes the first move! Lydia’s was prepared to hear the gospel as shared by Paul about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lydia trusted in Christ and was then Baptism. God initiated. Lydia responded! It is the same for you and me God initiates. We respond by faith then baptism.
Imagine a young man’s proposal to his lover. He makes plans, he buys a diamond ring, and he sets the date. One day, they go to a hilltop with a beautiful view and He gets down on one knee and he proposes to her a life of unity and fellowship with the gift of a diamond ring. Her response is a resounding YES!
While God did not propose to his people with a diamond ring down on one knee, he has proposed a life of unity and fellowship with Him on a hill called Golgatha on a wooden cross. Where Jesus gave His life so that we could live. He has initiated an intimate relationship with Him. Our YES to the Lord is trusting Christ and a public baptism.
Reflection
Reflect on God initiating a relationship with you. How did it happen?
Prayer
Our Father,
Thank you for your Word. We pray that by your Spirit Acts 16:13-15 would change us into the likeness of Christ. We praise you today for your initiative, that you loved us first! We thank you for making a way for us to be with you forever. We give you again today our resounding YES, Jesus. We say yes to walking with you to being in fellowship with you forever. We remember our baptism today. Thank you for you love and your care. We pray these in the your name by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
