Opening the Door
SCRIPTURE
DEVOTIONAL
Paul and his companions arrive in Philippi, in Macedonia, a Roman colony. Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, meets Paul and his fellow travelers by the riverside at a common place for prayer. Her response to their message appears to be immediate. She is baptized along with the members of her household, opens the door to Paul and companions in her home, and hosts church meetings in her home.
During this time, Paul and Silas are falsely accused, beaten by the authorities, and imprisoned. What a blow to the ministry in its early stages in Philippi! Yet, it appears that the brothers and sisters in Jesus continued to meet at Lydia’s house. Lydia’s hospitality helped the gospel take root in a new city, new region, despite opposition.
God advances his mission through ordinary acts of faithfulness. Lydia’s hospitality, combined with her “all-in” response to the gospel became the foundation of blessing others and establishing the church. Engaging neighbors, welcoming them into our space, as we journey together is not secondary to fulfilling the great commission. It is one of the primary ways Jesus builds his kingdom.
Just like Lydia, we can create space for the gospel to grow in people’s hearts by opening our home. This doesn’t have to be hosting the Sunday morning worship service in your living room, it could be having a neighbor over for coffee and sharing stories of God at work in your life, hosting a Discovery Bible Study, or creating a welcoming environment for others to explore faith through the Alpha course.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, show me ways I can open the door for you at home or work. How can I carry your loving presence into every situation, so that I can practice hospitality wherever I go? Help me see that hospitality isn’t about a beautiful spread of food, but sharing your beautiful love with those around me. Amen.
