Part 2 – Tabitha (Dorcas)
Acts 9:36-42
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named [a]Tabitha, which is translated [b]Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.
Although the bible doesn’t tell a lot about Dorcas, these few verses can give us a few powerful thoughts. Dorcas was a seamstress, a kind and compassionate woman that was known as a person who cared for and helped others. She died, and was brought back to life. And, through this story, brought others to believe in Christ.
Making clothes to help the poor may seem insignificant compared to what the apostles did, but the impact she had on others allowed God to restore her life. The community was hoping for a miracle and that is what they got.
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. 1 Peter 4:10 — 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
How many times have we said “I wish I had that talent?” I know I have. However, when we really think about it, we all have a special gift, or talent. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what it is, but, anything can be used to help others. To use those gifts we have been given no matter how small or insignificant we think it is can mean bringing God into someones’ life, and giving them the peace that we all need.
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your [a]unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Dorcas used her gift to help widows and those in need, by making them something so basic such as clothing. She made such an impact by those who knew her, that when she died, they were devastated. They knew that Peter was near, they wanted her back, and because of that fierce love and what she had accomplished, God brought her back. I also believe that God used the situation with Dorcas to create more believers and help spread his word.
I think if we use the analogy of the mustard seed, no matter how small of a deed we do, or positive interaction with an individual, it can make an impact. It can mean bringing someone close versus further away from God. And, it does not go unnoticed by Christ.
I hope this can encourage you to use whatever gift God has blessed you with.
Jeanette