-July 5, 2023-
Good morning, happy Wednesday,
“And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate.”
(Acts 12:13-14).
Everyone in the world has a unique voice. Our voices characterize who were are. Someone wrote, “Most scientists believe that the voice of a person is unique, much like their fingerprints; this may be true since our voices are dependent on the anatomy of the vocal cords and two people having the same anatomy is a reach, thus leading to distinct voices.” In our modern society we are familiar voices from radio, television, and the movies. I think of John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart in particular.
In biblical times, they didn’t have little glass holes to see through or special door bells that show on our smart phones who is at our door. In the old days we would have to say, “Who’s there?” In Acts 12:1-17 we read of Peter being arrested by Herod and being thrown into prison for preaching Christ. Herod harassed some members of the church and he had put to death James the brother of John. He was planning to do the same with Peter. Sixteen Roman soldiers, four squads of four, were assigned to guard him. He was chained to two them.
The saints were actively and fervently praying for his release but when it actually happened, they didn’t believe it. God hand sent an angel to bring him out of the prison in a miraculous way. He arrived at the door of the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where the believers were gathered to pray. This young girl Rhoda, a servant, heard Peter’s knock, and more importantly recognized his voice. This wasn’t the first time Peter’s voice was recognized. When he denied the Lord there were people who recognized his voice as being Galilean and having been with Jesus when He was arrested. Rhoda was familiar with Peter’s voice and was so excited she neglected to open the gate but ran to tell those who were praying that their answer to prayer was standing at the gate.
When we get a call on our phone from a friend or loved one, we know who it is without them even having to announce themselves. From our youngest days we learn the voices of our parents, our siblings, our teachers, our friends, and others. We learn to speak by listening. This is true when it comes our fellow believers in Christ.
Rhoda is a wonderful example of one who knows when prayer has been answered and no one could convince her otherwise. She was criticized by those at the prayer meeting. At first they thought she was beside herself (crazy), then they stated it must be his angel. When we ask in prayer believing we will receive. All the glory goes to God. Why pray if we don’t expect God to answer? Do we get as excited when God answers our prayers as Rhoda did? Tomorrow we will consider the voice of the Lord.
Have a blessed day lending our voices to praise and thank the Lord for His answers. May our voice be loud and strong to rejoice. Stay safe and healthy.
Listening to familiar voices, the unique voices of those whom we love and trust,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 