RHODA

By Rick Mathes

Acts 12:13 and when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer.

If I were to write a letter to the city of New York and sign it “Rick”, I don’t seriously think anyone would know or be impressed with “Rick.” But if I signed it “The Donald,” they would all know it was from Donald Trump. So it was also when Paul signed his own letters. Everyone knew and respected Paul the Apostle of Jesus; but what about “Rhoda?”

Now I’m sure you would think I was really important if I was written about in America’s history books but I am not and soon my name will all but be forgotten like the dash on my tombstone between my birth and death dates. But Rhoda is in God’ Word, remembered for all eternity and all she did was open the door for Peter. This tells me that although you and I are no big deal here, all we do for Jesus will forever be remembered no matter how small, in God’s Book of Life. Wow!

Like Rhoda, I just want to be a faithful Christian that is true to Christ and an arch enemy of Satan. My old boss hates my guts and trys to make my works for Jesus seem worthless. I know, however, that all I have to do is open the door and He will invite me in to sup with Him. I sure hope Rhoda joins us in that glorious day.

With the demons committed to destroy me, I need to be very careful to be at the door and available when He knocks. I can’t be asleep at the wheel. I need to be alert. Legend has it that when the primitive church met for worship they always had someone stationed outside looking up in anticipation of the Lord’s return. If only today’s church were so expectant! WE have forgotten that the Lord is nearer than you think.

A warm hearted Rhoda is certainly a wonderful example of an active Christian that is obedient and gives no thought to giving the Lord total obedience. Bless her heart she needed the support of other Christians to believe it really was Peter but so it is that the witness of others encouraged us to open the door to Jesus. He stands there and knocks and whoever opens the door will be in a saving fellowship with Him. Thanks to Rhoda, we can learn that even the least of believers can be useful to Him. Is that you? If it is, answer the door will you?