Acts 9:36 (KJV)
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation
is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which
she did.
In Joppa lived a beloved woman named Tabitha, or commonly known by her Greek name of Dorcas. I like how scripture refers to her as “a certain disciple”; significant of the fact that she knew Christ as Savior. As a matter of fact, this truth is evident in the very next line, for the Bible says that Dorcas was FULL of good works. Ladies, without Christ in our lives, there wouldn’t be an ounce of goodness in us! Yes, a regenerated heart was the source of this woman’s unselfish life and good deeds. When you give your whole heart to God, you’ll find that your talents will soon cheerfully surrender themselves to HIS purposes…
Psalm 40:8 (KJV)
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Alms or almsdeeds are charitable acts done to the poor and needy and Dorcas was a tremendous example of a true and generous giver. She thought up ways of relieving deprived or disadvantaged persons and then carried out her plans with liberality and pleasure. Dorcas knew what she could do and simply did it. Many well meaning people sit around and talk about charitable acts they could execute, but how many actually get up and DO them? And might I add that Dorcas was a donor ALL year long, not just at Christmas…
Ephes. 2:10 (KJV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
If you’ve read this story before, you are then familiar with the fact that Dorcas was a seamstress and that she unselfishly sewed coats and garments for the poor and widows. As I pondered the unique ministry of this particular saint, I think we can confidently assume that Dorcas did not sew worldly attire for the women to whom she ministered! I highly doubt this faithful saint put together miniskirts or unsuitable, seductive apparel for the widows to wear… No, hers was a ministry of modesty - an influence all Christian women should have. Dorcas designed attire women could use as a pretty covering; she used her hands to promote righteousness, not unrighteousness. With her needle and thread she humbly embroidered herself a notable testimony and preserved holiness in general…
Eccles. 9:10 (KJV)
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is
no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither
thou goest.
Indeed Dorcas was the type of person who got busy when she saw an area of need, though not in a bossy, aggressive way, but in a quiet, supportive way! This observant lady didn't wait to be asked to help; she keenly spotted a need and then simply and lovingly met the need, minus any pageantry. Dorcas’s fingers and funds were consecrated to the service of the Lord; therefore it was not necessary that she televise her good deeds. With a servant’s mindset, she simply carried out her ministry with a heart grateful to God. This lowly seamstress was not preoccupied with the magnificent work she was doing or the impact it was having…
Philip. 2:3 (KJV)
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem other better than themselves.
Unfortunately, many of God's people will not choose to do anything unless it can be done with a great deal of show, or unless special recognition is guaranteed somewhere along the way. Many folks snub opportunities to labor behind the scenes in search of more impressive tasks that will put them in the “limelight”. Because vainglory always creeps into what we do, the Bible gives us some good advice on alms giving. Let's look for a moment what Dorcas already knew…
Matthew 6:1 (KJV)
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise
ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Luke 11:41 (KJV)
But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things
are clean unto you.
What we do ladies, must be done from an inward principle that we may be approved of God, not that we may be praised of men. It is when we take least notice of our good deeds that God takes the most notice of them! Therefore, with God's perspective on alms giving, Dorcas went forth and sewed happily, for she was free from insincerity in her service to others. In Christ, she had a purpose for living and she found happiness in that purpose. She did not aspire to be a public celebrity but was content to operate from behind the scenes at home and do what she could with her God given skills. In Christ, Dorcas discovered that she was able to use her own personal talents to be a blessing to others. How many of us have been tricked into thinking fulfillment is only found outside of our homes or on center stage! How many of us fall into the trap of thinking we aren't a person that God can use unless we become like someone else. Ladies, all we need to be is consecrated to God!
Acts 9:37 (KJV)
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.
Here we learn that in the prime of a holy and useful life, Dorcas became sick and died. It's certainly a dent in any community to lose a beloved and valuable servant of the Lord, amen? Ordeals of this nature can be difficult for some folks to continue trusting God, but trust His plan we must! Surely Dorcas wouldn't have wanted to exit this earth any other way than being busy for the Lord… Scripture implies that the women Dorcas had helped chose to wash her body and prepare it for burial, no doubt as a gesture of honor for her goodness to them. What a tender time this must have been for the ladies to whom Dorcas had served as they tended to her lifeless form! When filled with life-giving blood, Dorcas’s hands had outfitted them with a number of their needs. One could only hope to bring back to life the one who gave so much, so freely… Even so, if we order our lives aright, a good man or a good woman never dies, amen? Their influence lives on forever… When you die, what group of people besides your family will miss you most?
Acts 9:38 (KJV)
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.
The grief of these brokenhearted women caused them to remember that Peter was in nearby Lydda, so two men were sent to get Peter that he would come to them and help. You see, Peter had a spiritual reputation; he had exercised supernatural power. But at this point in time, Peter had only healed sicknesses. He had never been used in bringing forth a resurrection from the dead. Why did they seek the man of God when Dorcas was dead? Were they entertaining the fact that their beloved seamstress might live again?? Could it be the faith of these saints in Joppa was so strong?
Consider your reaction when one of your brothers or sisters in the Lord is suffering or grief-stricken. How long does it take you to notice that someone isn’t doing very well, if at all? Do you send for the man of God for help at once, or do you wait until it's too late? If Peter were alive today, whom would you ask him to help? Certainly a true man of God can be relied upon to know how to handle such heartfelt matters. As the story continues, we find that Peter did not delay in accompanying the two men to the death chamber where the widows were somberly assembled…
Acts 9:39 (KJV)
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.
No doubt when Peter arrived he was moved as these women reverently and emotionally presented the assorted coats and garments Dorcas had sewn for each of them. For the first time, the enormity of this lady’s ministry was exposed to all! Who would have guessed that one single woman, consecrated to God, could have accomplished so much for so many? Scripture states that Dorcas made these things, “WHILE SHE WAS WITH THEM.” In other words, she did not waste the opportunities God gave her. Yes, Dorcas was a memory maker; every moment with every person was made to count for Christ.
So then, dear lady, how do you handle the opportunities God gives you with other people – while they are with you? Not every person you know presently will remain a part of your life; God weaves people in and out of our lives for His own reasons. Are you sensitive to His purposes like Dorcas was? Do you respond to God’s leading in a timely fashion and do what you can? Do folks have something significant to show for the time they spend in your company? Are you teaching other women the importance of modesty by your life's example? What kind of influence do you have in your neighborhood, your church, and your community? Ladies, time is so short! Dorcas’s life is a testimony to the fact that we need to make the most of every minute God has graciously granted us. Fill your time with Divine designs!
One other point I'd like to bring out is the fact that we can fail to appreciate those servants of the Lord who are a big part of our lives. We neglect to thank the precious saints that have met our spiritual and/or physical needs in life. Not until that dear one is absent do we truly understand the deep impact they had. Is there a certain Christian that has faithfully sewn strands of righteousness into your life that you might be taking for granted? If so, you need to express your appreciation before the time to do so has slipped away! Perhaps the Lord wanted this community to realize what a ruby they had in Dorcas and adjust their attitudes toward their benefactors.
"Swift gratitude is sweetest."
1 Tim. 2:1 (KJV)
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
Something else we take for granted is that these laborers who have been serving God for sometime will always be strong. While they are busy about their good works, we fail to inquire into their well-being. The Bible says Dorcas was sick before she died… Somehow we just don't notice the signs that strong people are turning feeble. Hence, we are devastated when our beloved servants of the Lord become ill - perhaps spiritually speaking, and then all of a sudden fall out of the Christian race and die. Are you sensitive to the welfare of persons who have supported you when you were down and out? Are you at least praying for those who have aided you in times past? Don't forget to activate personal interest in others and the added responsibility of intercessory prayer! There is not a soul alive who wouldn’t appreciate a touch of thoughtful consideration, no matter how strong they might seem!
Acts 9:40 (KJV)
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.
After Peter sent everyone out of the room, he knelt down and prayed near the body of Dorcas. Peter knew prayer was the key to tapping into the power of God. No resurrection can take place apart from God bringing it about! Peter never even laid his hands on Dorcas until she had risen from the dead, he simply knelt down and prayed for her; God is the one who quickly opened her eyes!! Is there someone in your sphere of influence who is not yet born-again? Certainly it is a strong temptation to want to force others into accepting Christ, but it is best to pray for God’s hand to be upon them rather than taking matters into your own hands… Persevere on your knees until you witness that rebirth or rekindling of heart!
Acts 9:41 (KJV)
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the
saints and widows, presented her alive.
What an exciting moment for everyone involved! For Peter, it was the first time he had been used of God in this way; he saw first-hand the power of praying in faith. Shortly afterward, Dorcas soon understood how her benevolence had impacted the other women who were called in to rejoice over her renewal of spirit. The saints and widows received another chance to express their gratitude for Dorcas and inform this special saint how thankful they were for her. Also, their faith was strengthened in God and His power to overcome any obstacle - even death itself! Yes, everyone learned this power was accessed through prayer… These folks from Joppa also had a chance to see how indispensable a man of God really is in the life of a believer. And last but not least, for the lost, the resurrection of Dorcas made a great impression upon their hearts and minds and was a credit to the cause of Christianity…
Acts 9:42-43 (KJV)
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
And it came to pass, that he (Peter) tarried many days in Joppa with one
Simon a tanner.
As God would have it, Dorcas’s life even had a purpose in death! Notice that nobody in particular took credit for the growth of the church – all glory went to the Lord, and rightfully so! God is the source of miracles, and the blessing of this miracle was so precious to Peter that he decided to stay around a while and enjoy it, marvel in it, meditate upon it, and rejoice with God's people over it. It’s a shame that we are so quick to run, run, run, and cut short the blessings that the Lord has so graciously granted. And when we do experience the hand of God moving in a mighty way, we just speed on looking ahead for the next miracle. Like Peter, let’s take some time to greatly esteem Divine design. And like Dorcas, let us make every effort to develop a testimony to the end that souls may readily trust in Jesus Christ.
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2004
