Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Women as participants in the Divine

Acts 12: 11-16

 
In this passage, Peter has just escaped prison through the help of an angel of God. After his miraculous return, Peter goes to the house of Mary, the mother of John. When he knocks on the door, a servant woman named Rhoda immediately recognizes Peter's voice without even opening the door for him. Upon this realization, she is overjoyed and runs to tell everyone inside the house. At first people don’t believe her and they tell her that it must be an angel. Eventually, the people come to see for themselves and are astonished to see Peter. Peter goes on to tell them about how the Lord saved him within prison.

    Although Rhoda has a small role in this passage, her impact is so evident. She is the first to encounter Peter after his return from prison and does not doubt that it is him. She recognizes Peter just by the sound of his voice. She could have thought he was an angel just as the people in the house did, but she recognized him and believed. It is also important to see how Peter wanted to meet Mary, the mother of John first after his rescue. This means that she was a valued member of the faith community and he knew that she would partake in the joy of the Lord with him. In life, it's so important that we find people to partake in the joy of the Lord with. There are many instances throughout the Bible that highlight the invaluable role women have in not only spreading the Good News but upholding values of love. From Mary the mother of Jesus, to Ruth, Esther, and many more. 
Prayer
Dear God, we thank you that you value each and every one of us. Help us to partake in the joy of Your presence in our lives and share that with others. We know that you are a God of miracles and love. Amen 

Thought for the Day
For you formed my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mothers womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14

Ms. Minti Thomas
St. Johns MTC, NY

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