After Peter miraculously walked out of prison, led by an angel, he headed over to a prayer meeting. He planned to show up as an answer to the fervent prayers going up on his behalf.
When Peter knocked at the gate, a young girl named Rhoda came to answer. She recognized Peter’s voice, but got so excited she left him there without opening the door and ran back inside to tell everyone!
No one believed her when she announced Peter stood at the gate. Everyone knew Herod locked Peter deep in his dungeon, from which no one escaped, and few emerged alive. Their friend and fellow disciple, James, died a few days before, martyred at the orders of Herod. Fear surged through the house and infused their prayers.
But Peter kept knocking, so they checked out this apparition at the gate. In an instant, everyone believed Rhoda, and finally the gate opened for Peter.
One of the things I love about reading through the Bible are the specific names of people mentioned. Luke considered Rhoda, a servant girl, important enough to include alongside Peter and James and Herod the king. Luke likely knew Rhoda, and obviously valued her role in this story.
I find these small asides deeply encouraging. It reminds me that everyone is important enough to have our name mentioned, that the Lord knows all of us intimately, even to the hairs on our heads.
You and I are known and valued by the Lord. Rhoda, the enthusiastic gatekeeper, announces that good news. Will I believe her?
Acts 12 in week seventeen of reading the Bible cover to cover
Photo by Ronit Shaked
Hi Robin! I also like the images Dave finds …
Thanks Miriam for noticing the images. It’s been fun to try to find an image to tie into my thoughts.
Rhoda! Love that you brought her to mind this morning. I think these Dailies of yours just keep getting better and better!
Thanks Robin for the encouragement!