05-07-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 7, 2020
Scripture: Acts 12:15
“You’ve lost your mind!” they responded.

Thought for the Day: This was part of my studies yesterday, focusing specifically on the story of a servant named Rhoda who, in her excitement, left Peter standing outside the locked gate of the home where many of the followers of Jesus were meeting. Peter had been in prison, but the Spirit moved in a powerful way according to the story, and he was liberated. When Rhoda announced Peter’s presence, the gathered community said, “You’ve lost your mind!” How often are those who society assumes to be less knowledgeable or not holding the proper title devalued or dismissed? Now I am currently on a big kick in regard to listening and respecting experts and not those who have their degree in creating inventive commentary on subjects for which they have no qualifications. But Rhoda was very qualified to announce Peter’s presence, and though her excitement got the best of her (as it would have me), it is troubling how those gathered in the home of John Mark’s mother were so quick to scoff at her suggestion with a derogatory comment. How much of it was based on the fact that she was a woman? Or was it because she was a servant in the household? I do not want to pretend to know the answer with certainty, but we are the very community called to represent Jesus who showed compassion and listened intently to those who lived in the shadows. Yet historically, we have too often looked past the very people for whom Jesus showed the most respect. Who in your life provided a wonderful message that others were too quick to dismiss?

Prayer: Holy God, your Gospel appears through the many voices and actions of a great and diverse multitude. I pray for wisdom and discernment to know when a person has the qualifications of a spirit-filled messenger. Amen.

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