Devotion - Tuesday, October 14

I was reading this morning from Acts 16.  Paul is traveling, and searching for persons with whom he could share the message of Jesus.  In a vision he is lead to Macedonia.  There, he meets Lydia.  Lydia is described as "a seller of purple goods."

Most characters in the bible have or could have a similar description.  Most wove their service of God into their jobs and family life.  Few were professional spokespersons (pastors).

And during this period, the Church grew unlike it has ever since.  There is something powerful and compelling about the witness of one who isn't being paid to say what they are saying.

Being a follower of Jesus is about many things, but surely part of being a follower is telling others how Jesus has affected your life.  Being a follower of Jesus means we go to work, do our job, contribute to the common good, AND weave into all of that a life which reflects the confession which we have made.

Lydia was delighted to hear the message.  Others are eager and in need of hearing the message.  Our fear of being seen as pushy or bossy stands in the way of our being the herald of good news to a world which needs to hear it.  As a result, those who sell purple goods continue to sell their wares unaware of the rich blessings available to them.