Devotion • August 1
Today’s Scripture Reading
Acts 16:6–15
They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On 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. A 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. When 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. (NRSV)
Reflection
My best friend from high school passed away suddenly when we were 35 years old. His wife asked me to speak at his funeral, and I reflected on our friendship as I thought about what I could say. It occurred to me that I couldn’t remember how Scott and I became close friends. I concluded that God puts people and situations in our lives, however, it’s up to us to make the most of the opportunities.
Here we find Paul and Timothy traveling and spreading the gospel. They must have been awake to the Holy Spirit in their midst; for example, “… having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia” (v. 6) and “… but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.” (v. 8). Then Paul had a vision that he should travel to Macedonia to proclaim the good news. God was putting people and situations in the lives of Paul and Timothy.
They find Lydia after traveling to Philippi by way of Samothrace and Neapolis and waiting several days. Scholars believe Lydia was a well-off businesswoman because she traded in purple cloth and had a house big enough to host Paul and Timothy. Lydia had been listening to them preach. “The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly…” (v. 14)
Paul, Timothy, and Lydia were making the most of the situations God put them in.
Our faith calls us to be open to the Holy Spirit and the people and situations God is putting in our lives. Are we just going through the motions? Or are we intentionally trying to be open and responsive to God at work in our lives?
Prayer
God, thank you for being at work in our lives. Help us to be aware of the ways you are calling us into relationship with you. Open our eyes to see and our hearts to remember that everyone is created in your image.
Written by Anthony Hipp, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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