Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Forgiving Christ
Acts 16:11-18
v14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
Have you ever wondered if you actually made an impact in something you were forced to do? Questioned what was the purpose of you being somewhere and why you had to do a job when it seemed pointless? Not all of the things we may do in our lives may have noticeable drastic implications or immediate effects, but as we see in the passage, God’s plans and vision has far more power and capability than we could ever imagine.
One of the most miraculous things in the aftermath of Christ’s resurrection, is the rapid expansion of the early church centered on Jesus Christ. As we read the book of Acts we see how the followers of Jesus and the apostles spread the message of Christ’s resurrection and those who God called forward. Former persecutor of Christians Saul, now known as Paul, takes the stage in this passage in his mission to the Greek territories.
In the earlier part of the chapter, Paul teams with Silas and young Timothy, and the Spirit of God does not allow them to go to their original plan of Mysia. Instead, Paul has a vision to go to Macedonia and Paul seeks God’s will and ultimately relents. While going to an area of prayer in town, Paul speaks to some women in the area. Through his words, God opens the heart of a woman named Lydia . Many of us would be hesitant to go to a place of discomfort like Paul is. He is a Jewish man in a faraway foreign land, speaking to Gentiles, let alone a group of women! Yet God orchestrates for Paul to be here and his vision is vindicated in the fervor of Lydia’s heart and attitude to the message. She welcomes him in and embraces their presence though they are foreigners and strangers.
How encouraging that people respond in turn because of God’s power and not ours! Much in the same way we too must preach the gospel in areas of risk and allow God to move. Christ’s forgiveness is evidenced in the life of Paul and that same message is changing hearts in Macedonia. It is not because of our ability, but because we follow the will of God that hearts change. May we live out the motto of our church and allow people to respond to the greatness of our God in all we do. We may find that there are far more Lydias that need to hear the message God puts on our heart
One of the most miraculous things in the aftermath of Christ’s resurrection, is the rapid expansion of the early church centered on Jesus Christ. As we read the book of Acts we see how the followers of Jesus and the apostles spread the message of Christ’s resurrection and those who God called forward. Former persecutor of Christians Saul, now known as Paul, takes the stage in this passage in his mission to the Greek territories.
In the earlier part of the chapter, Paul teams with Silas and young Timothy, and the Spirit of God does not allow them to go to their original plan of Mysia. Instead, Paul has a vision to go to Macedonia and Paul seeks God’s will and ultimately relents. While going to an area of prayer in town, Paul speaks to some women in the area. Through his words, God opens the heart of a woman named Lydia . Many of us would be hesitant to go to a place of discomfort like Paul is. He is a Jewish man in a faraway foreign land, speaking to Gentiles, let alone a group of women! Yet God orchestrates for Paul to be here and his vision is vindicated in the fervor of Lydia’s heart and attitude to the message. She welcomes him in and embraces their presence though they are foreigners and strangers.
How encouraging that people respond in turn because of God’s power and not ours! Much in the same way we too must preach the gospel in areas of risk and allow God to move. Christ’s forgiveness is evidenced in the life of Paul and that same message is changing hearts in Macedonia. It is not because of our ability, but because we follow the will of God that hearts change. May we live out the motto of our church and allow people to respond to the greatness of our God in all we do. We may find that there are far more Lydias that need to hear the message God puts on our heart
PRAYER
Lord forgive us in where we fail to seek your will, but in your mercy, help us to trust you and speak your truth. Please give us strength to be bold in our walks with you and not fear rejection, but plead for your Spirit to move in all we do. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God often works in the most unexpected ways.
Arun Chacko, Staten Island MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
Arun Chacko, Staten Island MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church