Here she was. A woman of integrity as well as savvy in business. She would not have established her reputation in the city if it wasn’t for that savvy. It made her notable in the region, but what propelled that reputation was that integrity. That desire to honour God.
It was not unusual to see her attending the place of prayer with the other women – she took it very seriously. She was intrigued, however, to notice the strange men. They seemed to an interesting collection of men who clearly knew about God. Yet they also had some new message to share. A message that the promised Messiah had already come. That He had done good works in the Judea region, but had proven His status as the anointed one by the resurrection from the dead. These men made the connections with everything the writings had said about the Messiah. This was good news.
It was the kind of news that she could not just leave by itself. It called for a response and she wholeheartedly received it, repenting and believing. This wasn’t just for her either, she was keen to ensure that everyone in her household heard and embraced this news for themselves. Such was the enthusiasm and joy with which she shared it and referred her household to the men that received it, that the household were likewise delighted to receive this good news gladly.
She was not content, however, to just rest on this good news. She was insistent that these men receive her hospitality as extended by the offer of staying at her home. The offer of this hospitality was not insignificant exactly because of the status she had through her business. The genuine nature of her conversion and commitment to the cause of the good news was enough to convince the men to accept the invitation.
They had invited her to embrace this good news. Lydia was delighted to invite them to embrace the hospitality that came with this brand new life.
Anything to learn here?
(Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 