Once in my church history, an older lady asked me to help her in the ministry she led. She gave me all kinds of responsibility but knew when to instruct me, too. I was taught immense knowledge about working with people, keeping records, prayer, and more. An extra bonus was that she became dear to me. Her impact was great since I used most of what she taught and gained confidence in her belief in me. She’s in heaven now, but she knew of my gratitude.
Has someone’s gift in your church impacted you? Maybe it was an excellent Sunday school teacher, a gentle nursery worker, a quiet janitor, or a cheerful greeter. If you ponder this, someone who does a particular task well in your church will come to mind. Today, we will consider Dorcas and see how her gift made a difference in the local church at Joppa.
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.”
Acts 9:36-39 NIV
In this section of the story, we learn several character traits about Dorcas. Some are spelled out in the first sentence. More are displayed in the responses of others in the room, because death has a disarming effect on those left behind.
RESPONSES IN THE ROOM:
The disciples (believers) in the room did not have miraculous ability. But they knew who did(Matthew 10). We see urgency from them to bring back Peter from Lydda.
The widows’ tears tell us that Dorcas served them. They had a tender place in their hearts for Dorcas.
We learn that Dorcas cared about her work. The widows took pride in the beautiful garments that were useful to them.
Verse 38 indicates the people in the room were from her church in Joppa. The fact that Dorcas cared for people in her church is another strong character trait and one encouraged in Galatians 6:10 and other places.
Verse 40 states that when Peter arrived at the grief-filled death scene, he came with the intention of calling on the name of the Lord. He told everyone to leave and went to his knees in prayer. Then, he commanded her to rise up, which she did!
41 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. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Acts 9:40-42
Shortly after Peter was called to follow Jesus, he witnessed Him heal his mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31). Jesus was the example for Peter. And now Peter did the same. Jesus had all power to raise people from the dead. Peter used the same power to do the same for Dorcas.
WHAT WAS THE RESULT OF THIS MIRACLE?
People believed in the Lord!
When people believe in the Lord, a miracle happens that no human can take credit for. Only God, through His Spirit, can change a heart. The church that day was thankful for Peter, but they gave glory to God.
For me, the story once again highlights how much God loves women. That fact is important in our day, but even more so back then because women had little status in the culture. Dorcas’ story was chosen for the biblical narrative for all to see through the ages. That speaks volumes to me about who God is.
As I view Dorcas from my modern-day scene, I see a woman who did the work of the Lord through her local church. She served her sisters in Christ, and particularly the widows. I don’t think it’s a far stretch to say she had a pleasing personality and loving demeanor. To sew clothing for others is a humble and quiet task. It is done behind the scenes, yet word spreads quickly about work well done. Anyone with a small business knows how valuable word of mouth is, and Dorcas’ reputation was stellar. All were troubled by her death, which is evidence of her impact on them. And quickly, they knew who to get if there was any hope to get her back.
Dorcas is a beautiful example for Christian women. Would we all be so kind as to care for others and allow our actions to meet needs in our churches? Dorcas used her gifts in her local church. She applied what she was learning in those early days of the local church development.
Prior to this miracle, the believers had seen the church grow, watched Peter and John go boldly before the Sanhedrin, witnessed Ananias and Sapphira‘s discipline from the church, and experienced apostles’ healing and their persecutions. The church was dynamic. Through it all, the church on earth began; each individual using their gifts. Dorcas found her role. She was well known for it, but humble.
What about you? Are you busy serving others in your local church? Dorcas quietly used her gift of sewing and knitted together a tapestry of love in hers. Recently, I met twin sisters in their nineties who sewed crosses for every attendee at a conference. It sits on my desk. Those sisters glorified God using their gift of sewing and then passed a sweet reminder of His love to many other women.
Don’t minimize the abilities you have. Use them in your local church. It is an eternal investment to serve the bride of Christ. You are not too old. You are not too young. No one else does what you do the way you do it. Serve faithfully with all diligence and give the glory to God. We see God builds every biblical church on the gifts He’s given to His children.
©Valerie Rumfelt
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This is wonderful, the story of Dorcas is inspiring. Teaching us to be humble, kind and always do something good to people in our church and others around us. Thanks for sharing Sis Valerie 💞.
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I believe this is one of your best devotions so far, OR maybe I just needed to hear it today. Thanks!
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Thank you, reader.
I have over 150 articles on this blog site. You can use the search box and type in a word like “faith”, “quiet times”, “love”, “salvation” etc and find many more or scroll, or use the menu.
I appreciate your faithful reading and your comment. Please share with friends.
Blessings and Praise the Lord~❣️
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Amen!
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Thanks for reading Jane~ 🥰
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I always enjoy your posts. Praying for you daily!
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