Acts 12:12-25 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark… This girl — I. HAD A BEAUTIFUL NAME. Many Jewish and other parents gave to their children the names of certain plants, trees, and flowers. Hadassa, a myrtle; Susanna, a lily; Tamar, a palm tree; Rhoda, a rose. That is beautiful, because it leads us to think of the garden in summer, and one of the prettiest flowers there. Have you such a name? Be thankful. Have you not such a name? Be content. It was given to you by others. They, and not you, are responsible. Besides, to grumble about it is to do no good. The time may come when it will be your duty to give names to children. Select those only that are associated with lovely things. Let all the words which you employ in writing and speaking be of the same description. II. WAS A DOMESTIC SERVANT. Her duty was to open the door when anyone knocked. In this respect she has advantages over those in other situations. She is more free from — 1. Care. Nothing to pay for except her clothing. 2. Danger. Has not to go out in all kinds of weather. Sheltered from rains and storms. 3. Temptations. Others may have greater liberty. This often leads to temptations which do not come to the domestic servant. 4. Risk of losing her situation. Her class not so numerous as others. Masters and mistresses value a good servant, and will keep her as long as she does her duty. Nothing degrading about such a situation. To serve in a good family is exceedingly honourable. To show this the Bible has recorded some of the names and doings of domestic servants. III. WAS A CHRISTIAN. 1. She was serving in a Christian home. 2. There was a prayer meeting in that home, and she loved to be there. 3. She was quite familiar with the voice of one of the apostles. Your parents, teachers, and, above all, Jesus, wish you to be Christians. IV. WAS VERY CAUTIOUS. It was night. All around lonely and still. Some one knocking at the door. Instead of opening it at once, she said, "Who is there?" Never open the door at night till you know who is on the outside. Be cautious in all other things — in writing to, speaking about, and acting in the presence of others. V. WAS ACCUSED OF MADNESS. When she heard Peter's voice, she was so glad that she could not open the door. The same thing has often happened; and the praying company, instead of believing her, said she was mad. This did not make her angry, for she knew that she was right. If you know you are right, and others say you are wrong, be not angry, but calm. The truth sooner or later will appear to others as it does to you. (A. McAuslane, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. |
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