After reading and reflecting on our 5 bible passages, I am drawn to Lydias story, even thought it is only 2 verses long. In our first 4 passages God called each person directly. Both Abraham and Samual spoke in person to God. God also chose Mary, but spoke to her through the the Angel Gabriel and Peter was chosen by God incarnate (Jesus),
Lydias story however is different. After listening to and accepting Pauls teaching, she was touched by the Holy Spirit. At once she and all her household are baptised. Lydia realised that everything she possessed was not her own, but a gift from God. She invited Paul, Silas and Timothy into her own home and cared for them. It says that after Paul and Silas had spent a short time in prison they went back to Lydias house to encourage the brothers and sisters that were there. Had Lydias home become a church? Lydias story is an example that God was now calling his people through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I enjoyed reading the different callings of the characters we were asked to look at.
It seems that Lydia's response was quite a profound one, summarised in just a few lines.
Opening her heart to the Lord through Paul's message, Baptising her entire household to become a Christian household and then offering hospitality and resources to support Paul's mission in Philippi.
We can draw a parallel to the Church of England vision from the video clip that mentions; transformed lives first, growing church and building community.
Is this what happened at Lydia's house?
We see that once the Lord transforms the heart he seems to open our purse strings too..
Not always an easy subject to address but here is an example of a wealthy woman, transformed by Jesus who then used her wealth to support Paul's mission.
Hi Chris, like you I find myself drawn to Lydia's story - I was especially struck by how "the Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly" to Paul in this instance, but I think it is something we can all reflect on - when were our hearts opened to the Lord? Do we know a specific time when it happened or has it always been the case?
Hi Chris, I like how succinctly you have put this. Thank you. We were asked who we identified with the most, and I couldn't pick one. I feel that each call has elements that I can identify with. Like Abraham I am on a journey, and I don't know where I'm going. Like Samual, I haven't always realised God was calling me and it has taken someone else to tell me. Like Mary I have been perplexed at times, and like Peter I often think myself unworthy. Finally, Lydia had 'opened her heart', she welcomed strangers into her home, and chose to use her gifts to serve God. Could she have been the first ethical trader. I would like to identify with Lydia, but see her more as a role model.
Amanda