Expectant or Astonished by Robin Densmore Fuson

 

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The fifteenth knock sounded on the door and Rhoda hurried to answer. A whispered code and a particular word answered back before she opened the door to another expected visitor. Earlier, the sun rested its head behind the edge of the world and the stars glinted as the moon glowed in the inky darkness. They came when they felt safe. Hiding in the shadows. Keeping a low profile.

As greeting servant, Rhoda monitored the door, took wraps, filled the feet washing bowls, wiped city grime off guest’s feet, and led them to more comfortable sitting inside the main house. She smiled at each familiar face. Some took her hands and spoke a soft, kind word. Others wrapped her in hugs.

They came with a purpose and a mission.

A prayer vigil.

Her mistress Mary and her son Mark sent runners to give word to the new church congregation that sprang from the mighty words of Peter at the unforgettable life-changing Pentecost, to hurry to their home to pray.

The new church felt the blow from King Herod, who, being impressed with his own power, executed James, John’s brother, and imprisoned Peter. These two were pillars of the church, apostles of Jesus, and preachers of the good news.

Another knock sent Rhoda scurrying to the entrance for the password. More guests arrived with expectant looks of fear mingled with joy in greeting. They came with purpose and in one accord. “Any news?” whispered one.

Rhoda shook her head, then took care of their needs before escorting them deeper into the house.

Months before, Peter explained to Rhoda that God’s kingdom was open to all people, old and young, rich or slave. All could become a follower of the Way led by Yeshua. She believed and was baptized. Her life changed on the inside and found new joy in her position and gladly served others. All Yeshua’s followers became her friends.

Love for their Lord and the Apostle Peter brought these disciples into the cool night to Mary’s dwelling to pray.

Candlelight flickered in the packed house. Murmurs of voices mingled as guests reclined around the expansive gathering room. Small, low tables bore snacks of fruit, bread, and cheese. Another servant, Elizabeth, refilled goblets. Most visitors didn’t come for the eats but to get down to the business of praying for an important person.

Mary understood the importance of the meeting and stood. “Friends, thank you for coming on short notice. Herod has placed Peter with four squads of soldiers. Herod must be afraid of our beloved fisherman.”

Chuckles and a few “Amens” chorused back.

“Mark visited him. Son, tell us what you witnessed.”

Mark rose. “Peter shows a stubborn chin in the midst of being bound with two chains between two soldiers. There are guards at every door. It’s a fortress. Dank, and dark.”

Mary patted his back. “We will pray for one of Jehovah’s miracles. Fire from heaven like in Elijah’s day. Or confusion of Herod like when Johnathan and his armor bearer came upon the Philistines, and disoriented by God, they attacked each other. Maybe a deep sleep that overtakes the prison guards like when the Assyrians besieged Jerusalem in Hezikiah’s reign. God is powerful, and prayers are our tools of communication. Let’s send our petitions to Yahweh’s ears. Yeshua said to call on our Father. His Father. Let’s begin. Mark, please start us.”

Mark’s youthful voice filled the room with his plea for deliverance of Peter. Others took up the supplication. Voices mingled low and strong. Emotions of love, fear, grief, worry, and concern flowed from the expectant voices of the gatherers.  

Hours passed. Candles burned down to nubs. Knees became sore. An interruption knock sent Rhoda questioning who would arrive so late? She hurried to the entrance. “Yes?”

“I’m out. Can I come in? Rhoda it me.”

Unbelievable. Excitement tingled through her. Overcome with joy, she turned and ran back to tell everyone. “Guess what? Peter is at the door!”

From the back of the room, a voice accused, “You’re out of your mind.”

She shoved her fists onto her hips. “I’m telling you. I recognized his voice. It’s Peter.”

Someone whispered. “It must be his angel.”

Rhoda threw up her hands. “Come and see!”

The crowd followed her.

The knocking continued at the door.

She threw up the latch and pulled it open.

There stood the real deal—Peter.

Gasps and the gang behind her spoke at once. “Peter!”

Peter raised his hands for them to be quiet. They pulled him inside and locked themselves in.

“Everyone. The Lord sent His angel and rescued me from certain death. Go tell these things to the Lord’s brother James and the brethren. I must be on my way before the soldiers wake and come after me. I’m putting you all in danger. I thank you for praying for me.”

Rhoda thrust a travel bag, with a loaf of bread and a flask, into his hands. “Here. You’ll need these.”

Mary put her arm around her shoulders. “Thank you, Rhoda.”

“Yes. Thank you all. I must depart. Tell them.” He crept into the dark and rounded the side of the building, headed out of the city.

Rhoda closed the door and the group burst out in praise and song.

This event in Acts 12 tells me something about our perception of prayer, or I should say, answered prayer. The people were devout followers of the Lord Jesus. They were determined to spread the good news of Jesus and His resurrection. Amazing leaders in the apostles were near to guide, teach, and exhort. James, Jesus’s brother, became the pastor of the church in Jerusalem and it doesn’t get much better than that. They believed. Possessed great faith. They saw amazing miracles and performed them. Each of them possessed and most likely used the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The group met to pray for a miracle. But when Peter showed up, displaying a miraculous event of release, they couldn’t fathom it. Their responses show who believed and who didn’t. Rhoda, overcome with excitement, forgot to open the door before she wanted to share the news. But she didn’t doubt. The ones inside didn’t believe her, even though they had prayed for such a thing as his release.

How does that happen? What should’ve been their response? They should’ve all jumped up and rushed to the door to greet Peter and sing out praise to God for quickly answering their prayer and in an amazing way.

Do we expect God to answer? When we pray, are we expecting to see God work? Or are we like those faithful praying believers who didn’t really expect God to do something so grand and at the exact time they were praying? Can God still do that? Do we believe with our whole heart that He can and will? Do we pray in expectancy, or do we open our eyes in astonishment when He does? I’m not saying God will do a miracle in our lives at every prayer, but I am saying God is always working and Jesus said we need to have faith when we pray. A small amount of faith goes a long way. We can pray, “Father, I can’t wait to see what you are and will do in my life through this______________.” (fill in the blank)

Are we expectant or astonished?