Acts Devotional Week 5

May 13, 2012

Acts 9:36-42

Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity.  At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

In a wealthy city a beautiful and respected woman decided to follow the Lord.  Tabitha (her name meant gazelle which was considered beautiful) sought out the widows and the poor.  A widow herself, she took care of them by making clothing and other things they might need.  Her life was devoted to doing the Lord’s work.  She may not have been a preacher or a prophet, but she is called a disciple.  She was a saint and a leader as she served the Lord.  Her death was more than the congregation could handle.  So vital was she to the ministry of that congregation that they went to extraordinary efforts to reach Peter and Peter responded.  Let’s not be confused.  Tabitha was not just a nice lady who did nice things.  She was a vital and important minister to the city of Joppa. 

It’s a powerful image.  Seeing those who have been so blessed by a life gathered together to mourn, honor, and bless that life.  That upper must have been filled with emotion…with love.  So many lives changed.  So many people drawn to Christ through the love and care of Tabitha.  So many more that still needed her touch and ministry.  Imagine the heartbreak of losing one so vital.  Imagine the joy and seeing her come back to life.  From heartbreak came joy.  From and end came a new beginning.  From death comes life.  We are called to be disciples.  We are called to be like Tabitha.  Good works matter.  Caring for other matter.  God’s work done in a life matters.  The world needs to hear the message God gives us.  Throughout this event, Tabitha says not one word.  Yet many are brought to the Lord through her.  How can you be like Tabitha in your life?  Who needs your attention, your touch, or your prayers today?  What does your ministry look like?  Become a disciple like Tabitha and serve the Lord.