Devotional-The Power of Purple

“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” – Acts 16:14

The Power of Purple

God used Lydia, a seller of purple to build a church. She was a networker and a creative thinker. She was a successful business woman with many contacts and was a seeker after God. Purple was a highly valued commodity and a seller of purple might have been a person of great influence. All human influence, power, and royal proclivities belong to God and are a reflection of His prerogatives

Let’s break down the word purple and examine how God might use people of purple in his kingdom.

P = Peace. Jesus instructed the first missionaries to find a man of peace in each city and to move into that person’s home as a base of operation. When Paul came to Philippi He discovered a circle of influence with receptive people who gathered around Lydia. There will always be people who can lead us to other people when we are on mission and doing evangelism.

U = Unity. Any sound work of God must be characterized by the unity of His people around a common purpose and truth. Lydia was already a worshiper of God. Paul brought a message that brought the people together around Jesus Christ.

R = Royalty. Purple is a royal color. Jesus is King. Jesus is Lord of all and some day; all will know and bow down before Him. That is a message that Paul would later declare though his letter to the Philippians.

P = People. Churches are built with people. There are few things we need to start a Bible study, church, or circle of influence. We need the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and space. Any space will do but we need PEOPLE! The lady of purple led the apostle to people.

L = Love. It is at the heart of the open heart that the purple lady had. It was at the heart of Paul’s heart for people. Love god; love others!

E = Easter hope. Paul preached resurrection and people believed. Proclaim Christ crucified, buried, and risen and wear your purple with purpose. It is beyond out imagination what God will raise up.