A little Soldieress
Reading: Acts 12:1-17
“It is the one who is the least among you all who is the greatest!”
(Lk 9:48)
These were the words of Jesus. Some women are considered least. Rhoda was one such. It was a time of persecution. Herod was hunting for the heads of apostles. Some Christians were already arrested and a head rolled off. Peter was under arrest, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him, some from inside the prison and some from outside.
There was a gathering in the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, that was praying. A girl named Rhoda decided to attend this prayer meeting even though it was night. Her studies or hobbies or sleep was not more important to her. For her the priority was prayer at the time of persecution.
There was a knock at the door. Among the ‘many’ who had gathered there it was this girl Rhoda who decided to get up and go to open the door. Can it be soldiers who had come to arrest? She did not open the door for fear. She wanted to make sure. Then she recognized Peter’s voice! That shows she was a disciple and sat under Peter’s tutelage. She was so sure, so happy that she ran to tell the rest that their prayer was answered, even before opening the door for Peter. When all were praying she distracted them shouting, “Peter is at the door.” Unbelief filled all. Her bubbling joy shows how much she was close to Kingdom values.
She was the first to experience the joy of their tearful prayer answered. I am reminded of Mary Magdalene who was the first to see the resurrected Lord. The NIV calls Rhoda a servant. Though the names of the prominent women in the gathering were not mentioned, this servant girl’s name who belonged to the lowest social and economic strata of that society was recorded by Luke. While narrating the details to Luke women found it worth mentioning her name, though at first they called her ‘mad.’
“The least of you will become a thousand,” says Isaiah (Isa 60:22). Who knows Rhoda’s future? May be she brought many to Christ, and God blessed her family.
Never belittle the role God has given you in Kingdom work. Keep doing it faithfully till you receive your reward on High. Be a little soldieress for God!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
A little Soldieress
Reading: Acts 12:1-17
“It is the one who is the least among you all who is the greatest!”
(Lk 9:48)
These were the words of Jesus. Some women are considered least. Rhoda was one such. It was a time of persecution. Herod was hunting for the heads of apostles. Some Christians were already arrested and a head rolled off. Peter was under arrest, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him, some from inside the prison and some from outside.
There was a gathering in the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, that was praying. A girl named Rhoda decided to attend this prayer meeting even though it was night. Her studies or hobbies or sleep was not more important to her. For her the priority was prayer at the time of persecution.
There was a knock at the door. Among the ‘many’ who had gathered there it was this girl Rhoda who decided to get up and go to open the door. Can it be soldiers who had come to arrest? She did not open the door for fear. She wanted to make sure. Then she recognized Peter’s voice! That shows she was a disciple and sat under Peter’s tutelage. She was so sure, so happy that she ran to tell the rest that their prayer was answered, even before opening the door for Peter. When all were praying she distracted them shouting, “Peter is at the door.” Unbelief filled all. Her bubbling joy shows how much she was close to Kingdom values.
She was the first to experience the joy of their tearful prayer answered. I am reminded of Mary Magdalene who was the first to see the resurrected Lord. The NIV calls Rhoda a servant. Though the names of the prominent women in the gathering were not mentioned, this servant girl’s name who belonged to the lowest social and economic strata of that society was recorded by Luke. While narrating the details to Luke women found it worth mentioning her name, though at first they called her ‘mad.’
“The least of you will become a thousand,” says Isaiah (Isa 60:22). Who knows Rhoda’s future? May be she brought many to Christ, and God blessed her family.
Never belittle the role God has given you in Kingdom work. Keep doing it faithfully till you receive your reward on High. Be a little soldieress for God!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, Mob:8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
