[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during August 2021]
In those denominations that follow a relevant liturgy, 03 August is one of the dates set aside in honour of Lydia of Thyatira, whose story is recounted in Acts 16. In what might be a shock to our western-orientated Christianity, it appears that Europe’s first convert could well have been a female economic migrant of Asian origin.
Lydia is described as a dealer in purple cloth. From ancient times, purple cloth and purple robes have been a symbol of nobility, affluence and honour, and the material has been priced accordingly. Mordecai and Daniel received purple robes in recognition of their special service to their respective kings.
Even before that, God had chosen purple as one of the principal colours to be used in the adornment of the Tabernacle and the Temple, and in the vestments of the priests. We might wonder how an itinerant people wandering in the desert would acquire such material, especially in the quantities implied by the instructions in the later chapters of Exodus. We are not told but, as in the case of Nehemiah, God provides the material and the personnel necessary for the completion of his plans.
However, we are told the names of those who led the skilled work involved: Oholiab son of Ahisamak in the case of the tabernacle and Huram-Abi in the case of Solomon’s temple. Designers, engravers, embroiderers, workers in gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood; all had a part to play in the glory of God. The words of the apostle Paul should encourage us all, whatever our particular skill set:
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. [1 Corinthians 12; 4-6 NIVUK]
We recall that whilst the soldiers were mocking Jesus during his trial before Pilate they placed a purple robe upon him. Is it possible that Lydia, as a dealer in purple cloth, might have actually supplied the material to the Roman garrison? Sheer speculation, of course, but a reminder that even honourable activities can be distorted by those with evil intentions.
Lydia had no control over how her cloth was used, but she could decide how to use the wealth that it brought her. She made her house and the services of her household available to the apostles as a local base until they continued their travels. Like those earlier artisans, Lydia’s service to God has brought her immortality. We cannot get our names recorded in the Bible; most of what we do will pass away shortly after we do. But we can take note of the message that was addressed to the church in Thyatira and endeavour to be worthy of a similar appraisal.
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. [Revelation 2; 19 NIVUK]
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
