Seeing is Believing
Some Scriptural accounts are just so humorous. I love that the Bible shows us real people living real lives. It is comforting to know that I’m not the only one who messes up or gets confused.
One biblical account that makes me smile is that of Rhoda. She is a servant girl in the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark. She enters the historical picture at the time the apostle Peter is imprisoned by King Herod for preaching the good news of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Members of the early church were praying for Peter’s release and many of them were doing so at the house where Rhoda serves.
Here is where what transpires gets somewhat humorous. Peter is miraculously released from prison and he heads directly to Mary’s home to meet with other believers. When he knocks on the door, Rhoda goes to answer it. Only, Rhoda doesn’t open the door. She is so overjoyed to hear Peter’s voice that she runs back to tell the others that their prayers have been answered. Peter is left standing outside, probably wondering who this servant girl is who won’t let him in. It’s funny that the people inside the house are praying for the very thing that is standing outside their door, not even realizing that their prayers are answered.
Rhoda is insistent that it is truly Peter at the door. The believers in the room must think she is out of her mind. They perceive it is impossible for Peter to just be standing out there. When Rhoda insists that it is truly Peter at the door the others conclude it must be his angel.
It must have been challenging for Rhoda to know that God has done a miraculous thing but no one believes her. Finally, Peter keeps knocking and is let in. He then describes his miraculous rescue from prison.
Peter was being guarded by four squads of four soldiers throughout the night. This is a lot of manpower to watch one man, but Herod didn’t want to take any chances of him escaping. Yet, Herod didn’t plan on an angel visit to release Peter from his bonds. Peter walks right by a number of guards and out the door of the prison unimpeded. There is great havoc the next morning when Herod discovers his prize prisoner gone.
Rhoda is able to witness, firsthand, one of God’s amazing acts. She is able to share in the immense joy of Jesus’ followers when Peter’s life is spared. Rhoda, though only a lowly servant, is able to hear of God’s amazing intervention in saving Peter and continuing with the sharing of the Gospel message. In her young life that would be a lot to take in but an unforgettable moment.
Rhoda’s persistence is a good example for us. She didn’t allow others to change her mind but continued to advocate for what she sees and hears and knows is right. Rhoda is so glad to tell the good news!
I can imagine being in Rhoda’s place – so full of joy that Peter is safe and abundantly thankful to God for saving him. I can also imagine myself forgetting Peter at the door in all the excitement – it’s a very real reaction. Rhoda has an amazing experience.
We might not get to directly see such a miracle as that of Peter escaping prison and the clutches of Herod. Yet, if we look around, there are numerous examples of God’s hand at work in the lives of His people.
We can see Jesus in many ways…in His Word, through His people, in His creation. In many ways, Jesus is like Peter standing outside the door and knocking. Jesus is there, even if we are unsure. Hopefully we can be like Rhoda and be receptive to the great Good News.
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