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From the Acts

Acts 16:6-15

6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

Reflection

Luke emphasizes that God is the One who actively brings a person to faith in Christ, this time with the example of Lydia. The Lord graciously “opened her heart” (Acts 16:14), enabling her to repent and believe the gospel. Only God has the power to open a person’s eyes to the glory of Christ (2 Cor. 4:4, 6), which means that our salvation is truly an act of generous grace from the start. This should give us great encouragement to pray for those who do not yet believe. When God shines his light into their hearts, the blind receive sight.

From the New Testament

Revelation 5:11-14

11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Reflection

The heavenly council that declares the worthiness of Christ (Rev. 5:9) is now joined in worship by “myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands” (v. 11) of angels. The praise specifically declares that Jesus is worthy because of his death on the cross —“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (v. 12). By the time we reach verse 13, every creature in heaven, on earth, and under the earth has joined in the celebration of the Lamb.

The book of Revelation repeatedly portrays those who enjoy the benefits of the gospel praising the One who made those benefits possible (vv. 9–14). Because of the way that Christ has laid down his life for others, he is worthy to receive everything (v. 12) from everyone (vv. 11, 13–14). We delight to praise him.

From the Psalms

Psalm 34:18

18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Thoughts For Prayer

Pray once again for those in your life who have not surrendered to Jesus. Remember that God has the power to open their eyes and save them.

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