Europe’s First
Europe's First
I am excited about this devotional because I learned something new about who we are learning about today. I did not know that Lydia, from Thyatira and who was a seller of purple cloth, was Europe's first person to be saved.
Being the first person to be saved in Europe is undoubtedly an honor, Lydia's story is much more than that. Although she is barely mentioned in the Bible (Acts 16), we still learn from her that there is always a time to act and find completeness in Jesus.
Acts 16 provides details on Lydia's conversion and baptism. Acts 16:14-15 says, "14) 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.15) When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us."
Lydia met Paul on his second missionary journey. The Bible tells us that she worshipped God, but she was not a follower of Jesus. God rerouted Paul on his journey to share the Gospel. Paul wanted to stay in Asia Minor, but God directed him westward. Because Paul obeyed God's directions, he met Lydia and eventually shared the Gospel with her. God orchestrated Paul's journey to the West and Lydia's being in the right place to meet Paul.
Lydia's conversion story reminds us always to be ready to go where God calls us. If Paul had stayed in Asia Minor, he would have missed the blessing of sharing the Gospel with Lydia. Lydia's story also reminds us that God is in control. God opened Lydia's heart to see that she needed the life-changing message of Jesus.
God will work in your life if you let Him. Are you like Paul today? Where can you be obedient and go where God called you to go? Are you like Lydia? Maybe you need a conversion story today.
Lydia showed a genuine conversion to Jesus and a loving, hospitable attitude towards followers of Jesus. Lydia's conversion opened the door to be spread throughout Europe.
There is a time to act now when sharing the Gospel or accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior.