by Shirley Connolly
Continued from Page 1
References:
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds that she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Acts 9:36-43
Of Special Note:
Wonderful story, wonderful testimony, wonderful life! Dorcas! In her daily life, she was a testimony to her friends, in her spiritual work, she was a testimony to her friends, during her illness, death she was a testimony. Some of her friends, hearing that a couple of Peter's men were in the vicinity sent them back to get Peter to come by and minister to all those that were now grieving her loss. In fact because she had appeared to be in a state where something wonderful was about to happened. As Peter prayed, the Holy Spirit (God) moved on his heart to ask for a miracle. In this he prayed "Tabitha arise" and God raised her from the dead! Not only did her friends marvel, but also people outside the Christian world came to believe in the Lord because of her life, death, and new life. She represented faith and answered prayer to them and they glorified God because of her. Even in her illness and temporary death, God showed the world that He was not finished with her yet.
Special Facts about Dorcas:
- Dorcas ministered with a needle and thread (and God's power worked through her) to help the poor and needy in the church.) Dorcas was free to express her service to the Lord using her God-given talents to help those in need. After her illness, death, and resurrection, Dorcas' services to the church and to God resulted in even MORE dedication to her Master than ever before.
- Dorcas died in the prime of her life, but out of seven recorded Biblical "raisings from the dead" Dorcas was the ONLY woman!
- In spite of her resurrection, Dorcas continued to stay humble in her ministry, unconscious of the effect she was having. She did not become a vocal leader in the church. That was not the gift God was using in her. She worked in the quiet of her home. Yet over the years, numerous charitable organizations have raised up in honor of her famous name (Such as the internationally known Dorcas Society).
Next >>
|