Rhoda was the first child to speak in Luke's Acts. Peter had been thrown in prison and the believers were concerned for his safety. They had gathered at a home to pray. Upon God's releasing of Peter, he traveled to the house and knocked on the door. Young Rhoda recognized Peter's voice and attempted to convince the others he was at the door. Despite her attempts, those praying believed it was Peter's "ghost."
Sweet points out the young girl's faith. He also alludes to other accounts of Jesus' interaction with children. The purity or innocence is normally discussed when those accounts are considered. However, Sweet maintains the importance of stories and how children live out stories. It's only when we "grow up" and forget the importance of stories we fail to really live life.
I really appreciated how Sweet distinguishes between "childish" and "childless." In other words, when things don't work out for us, many times we have a childish faith - an attitude of "I'm taking my toys and going home." What our attitude should be is that of Rhoda or others in Scripture, realizing they can't but Christ can.
We all need faith of a child. It's also important to influence those Rhodas God places in our path. Thoughts?
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