Acts 12:1-19

Kutenda

Kutenda is a Shona word that means “faith.” Beyond that it is a fun word to say. This passage puts me in mind of this word because there is certainly an exhibition of faith here by several participants, and there is a little bit of fun as well.

Simon Peter is in prison. He is going to be tried the next day and almost certainly found guilty of something or other and executed. It’s a desperate situation to be sure. Surely Peter is crying out to the Lord. Behold! An angel appears to the rescue. Peter is excite.... Peter is... Peter... is asleep. I love it. Now this is faith.

Somebody has to be praying somewhere. Indeed they are. A lot of the church was over at John Mark’s house praying for Peter. I’m sure it was a powerful prayer meeting and it had apparently been going on for some time. After Peter’s miraculous escape he heads for this familiar spot. Sure enough there is a crowd gathered there and likely Peter can hear the praying going on. It was so loud that when he knocked the servant girl was the only one to hear. (The servants are often the only ones to hear.) When she recognizes Peter she is so excited that she leaves him outside and runs into the room of faith and power to share the good news.

“Peter is at the door!” The believers turn to her and in one of the biggest smile moments in all of Scripture that greet her news that their prayers have been answered with the exclamation, “You are out of your mind!”

And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen - kutenda! May we all grow in it to the point where we can get a good night’s sleep on the day before we meet the Lord.