Everybody in this story seems surprised at what has happened. Peter gains his freedom but thinks that it’s a dream; the sleepy guards are bewildered at how they could allow their prisoner to sneak past them; and Herod is losing it because Peter has escaped.
But I like Rhoda the maid’s response the best. She is so excited to see Peter that she forgets to let him in before she runs into the house and tells everyone that he is at the gate! While she is arguing with them about it, I can just picture Peter standing there with a confused look on his face, continuing to knock at the gate until they all finally come rushing out to meet him.
I wonder if we all don’t have different responses to the ways that God is at work around us. Sometimes we can hardly believe that it’s true. Other times we are bewildered and even befuddled by it. Still other times we are so wrapped up with excitement that some might question our sanity.
So where has God been active in your life lately? What has been your response to it?
Gracious God, you work in strange ways to free your people. Thank you for your grace that surprises us anew each day. Amen. — KT