May 13, 2007

Lydia – Clothier to the Stars

by Rev. Dr. Jim Carlson

Acts 16:9-15

Blues Brothers – Assembling the Band – Mission from God. Didn’t just raise money. Lives were changed in the process.

Paul – Mission from God. Tell everyone about Jesus

Touched wide variety of lives. Timothy, Lydia, divinizing woman in Philippi. All movement guided by Holy Spirit.

Paul’s vision – Macedonia. Like Peter’s. Went to Philippi.

Usually looked for synagogue. None in Philippi. Jews gathered at place by the river.

Lydia – from Thyatira. Seller of purple goods. Worshipper of God.

Lydia heard Paul and Silas’ message about Jesus. She believed.

She had her whole household undergo baptism.

She invited Paul and Silas to stay at her home. Base of operations for Philippi.

Church at Philippi met in her home, probably under her leadership.

Story of Lydia is brief – offers valuable lessons.

First: We never know who we’re going to affect or how. We need to be aware of how our words and actions may affect others.

Parents – never know how our discipline and teaching will affect our kids. Might not seem like they want to listen to us.

When they’re older they may open their hearts to what God may teach them through us. We have to do what it right by them even if we don’t feel they’re learning.

Second: Passage reminds us that mothers have historically offered shelter to people in ministry.

Mothers have sheltered people who are preparing for ministry. They have provided food and clothing for people who need a base of operations for doing ministry.

Illustration -My parents letting me stay at home during college and seminary.

Lydia reminds us of the importance of mothering those who are involved in the ministries of the church. Mothering figure probably has played a role in the faith experience of all of us. Evangelization of Europe began with a woman who supported Paul and Silas as they brought the good news to Phillipi.