Lydia - The Inspirational Businesswoman
Acts 16:14-15, 40 (NIVUK)
One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshipper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptised, she invited us to her home.
Are you a woman or a man who’s trying to meet the demands of work, faith and family or community life – and dealing with other people’s expectations? Perhaps you are a businessperson? Maybe you have taken a leap of faith and moved city, or country, perhaps to pursue a work-related dream?
If so, the Acts 16 account of Lydia should encourage you!
Businesswoman Lydia's encounter with Paul’s gospel message at the Sabbath day women's meeting outside the Macedonian city of Philippi, was no coincidence. From the earlier verses (6-10) it is clear this was a culmination of Paul following three directions from the Holy Spirit, including his vision of the man of Macedonia urging him to 'Come over to Macedonia and help us'.
As a dealer in purple cloth, Lydia had moved from Thyatira, a city apparently famous for the dyeing trade (in modern day Turkey) to Philippi (in modern day Greece).
When Paul and Silas were shortly after imprisoned and then released, they returned to Lydia’s house, 'where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them'. Lydia, her family, and the new community would also have been a support to Paul and Silas after their ordeal. As a businesswoman, Lydia, and those she bravely gathered, may have been able to materially support Paul and Silas’s onward mission. As one who had migrated, and may have travelled for work, who better than Lydia to mobilise the emotional and inter-cultural support of the community for Paul and Silas on their travels?
Prayer — Thank you, Lord that we can all be as one, so when one part of the Body of Christ suffers or rejoices, all other parts may do so with it. May we be supportive of your kingdom-mission locally, nationally and internationally. We pray today for your persecuted church.