Scripture
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 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!”
39 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.
40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 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.
Reflection
If this story sounds familiar, it should. In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5, Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Although the stories are similar they are not identical; for example, Dorcas was gradually restored and Peter took care not to touch her until she was fully healed. We should not be surprised that Jesus’ disciples would do very much the same kinds of things that He did; this was part of the commission. (Matthew 10:8) They did what they saw Jesus do, we can do no less (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- Is there a specific aspect or area in your life that needs Jesus’ resurrection power?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for the persecuted Church, our brothers and sisters across the world who are made to suffer because they are Christian. For more information about who is being persecuted and how to pray, visit www.opendoorsuk.org.
