Acts 16:13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down… I. OPEN HEART. The Lord opened her heart in the ordinary way, no doubt, by the unseen work of the Holy Spirit. He had been opening it all along, while she had been serving Him by keeping close up to the light as fast as it was revealed to her. The Holy Ghost is always in advance of us when we are trying to find our way out into clear duty. II. Open heart invariably brings OPEN MIND. The entrance of the Divine Word gives light. So Lydia "attended unto" what the apostle told her. The Holy Spirit continued His work. Lydia appears to have surrendered her convictions instantly without cavil. III. Open mind brought OPEN MOUTH. Out of the abundance of her heart her mouth spoke. Lydia unhesitatingly made public acknowledgment of the faith she now accepted. She lost no time in foolish self-searching after what some call special evidences. She knew she believed in Jesus Christ, and she was ready to say so. IV. OPEN HAND BROUGHT OPEN HOUSE. The "Daughter of Tyre" was there "with her gift." Hospitality was the form of immediate usefulness Lydia chose. It was not within her reach perhaps to do magnificent things, but she did "what she could." Conclusion: 1. These, then, were the evidences of grace which the Holy Spirit gave instantly to this Thyatiran woman. There was nothing subtle or mysterious in them; anybody could have them! anybody could know them if he had them. 2. And, with these before us, it is easy to learn what growth in grace is — it is increase in openness of heart, mind, mouth, hand, and house — growth in the same simple life which is begun. And more grace is lust glory; and more glory is heaven. (C. S. Robinson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. |
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