Thursday, July 1, 2021
Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. Acts 9:36
How Will You Be Remembered?
In Chapter 9 of Acts, we meet Dorcas, (also called Tabitha), a woman and disciple of Christ who lived in Joppa. Dorcas was a very giving person, known for her good works of making things for needy people. She was also known for her love and care of all people. When she became ill and died, all the people who knew her were gathered around her, weeping and mourning. One woman, Lydda, knew that Peter was close by and she sent for him. When Peter came, he went up to the room where she was, with many of the widows she had cared for, weeping. They showed Peter all the robes and clothing they were wearing that Dorcas had made for them. Many of them wouldn’t even have clothes to wear if it weren’t for Dorcas’ loving kindness.
The Bible does not say, but some Theologians believe that Peter was called because they knew he could resurrect her. Some say that they were begging Peter to raise her from the dead because they couldn’t stand the thought of being without her, because they loved her, and she was so kind. What an awesome testimony! How incredible must this woman’s obedience and service to God be that all these people just couldn’t bear the thought of life without her? The Bible says that Peter sent them all out the room, knelt down to pray and then turned to Dorcas’ body and said Tabitha Arise. She opened her eyes and sat up. The word spread, and many people were saved because of her story.
In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body the said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. Acts 9:36-43
Not only was Dorcas a living testimony of Christ, but even in her death, people were led to Christ. Dorcas was not raised from the dead for her sake. She was in Heaven. Peter raised her partly for the benefit of the widows who needed her help and partly because so many people came to know Jesus as a result of her healing. How about you? How are you impacting lives and spreading the love of God to others as Dorcas did? To your family? To your neighbor? To the widow with no family? When you are gone, will they remember how giving and caring you were? Will they remember that you were the hands and feet of Jesus to them?
James 1:27 says Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Dorcas was a perfect example of how God wants us to help others as an extension of Him. We need to live our lives like Dorcas, not because we want to be idolized after we die, but because of a genuine desire to spread the love of God and the gospel of His Good News to all those around us.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16
