Acts 9:36-43
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. Acts 9:36-43 (NIV)
The book of Acts is the recount of the growth and development of the early church. We hear many stories of miracles, conversions and journeys across the region in the name of Christ. It was not always easy. The apostles were persecuted, beaten and imprisoned. But they forged on supported by the power of the Holy Spirit to spread the message of Jesus.
Our lesson today describes the miracle of snatching life back from the jaws of death. We read the story of Peter raising Tabitha from the dead. The question I had is why her? Why does Tabitha deserve to live? What makes her special?
The answer is woven throughout the passage. From the beginning we are told that Tabitha is a disciple of Christ and was active in caring for those less fortunate. Certainly there are things about Tabitha that caused the women around her to be very mournful of her passing. She had obviously cared for these widowed women. I suspect making and providing clothing was probably the least important, but the most tangible to share in the moment.
Tabitha lived a life in service to others just as Christ had. Just as Christ does. It is important to use her example and the example of so many others we encounter in our lives each day who use the power of the Holy Spirit to continue Christlike service in the world. I have read that the Bible should be a mirror of how we should live and not a magnifying glass to inspect the sins of others. The more you see and do good things, Christ like things, the more that becomes ingrained in you. Upon our death we may not be raised to life again on this Earth like Tabitha but as believers in Christ we surely will be given new life. Good works do not get us to Heaven but because of what Christ showed in his earthly life and what He did for us on the cross we should do good works.
Questions for Reflection:
- We just celebrated Mother’s Day. Who are/were the mothers in your life that helped set an example of selfless Christlike service?
- Think of 3 women that you have known from your life who helped shape the person you are today. Who are they? How did their example shape you?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, We give you thanks for the gift of bold women in our lives. Especially those who, like Tabitha, selflessly serve others to make lives better each and every day. Help us to use their example as a catalyst for our own service. Amen
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