Dorcas the encourager

36In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38Lydda 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!”

39Peter 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.

40Peter 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. 41He 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. 42This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.43Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. (Acts 9)

Thoughts: Dorcas/Tabitha, was a righteous and encouraging person.  She died and the mourners were showing Peter what she had done.  She was known as someone who gave to the poor (alms).  she was always doing good to others.  The widows showed him clothes she had made for them.  In those days there was no welfare or life insurance programs.  The widows were the most helpless and needy.  Dorcas took care of them.  God wanted to reward her in the most visible impressive way.  So Peter raised her from the dead.  God cares for those who refresh and encourage others.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to be someone who cares for those in need. 

3-26-15 The Way

1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9) 

Thoughts: This passage and Acts 22 refer to following Christ as "followers of the Way."  Perhaps some think the easiest way to interpret this is to say these are people who follow the way of life or teachings of Jesus.  But it is more than just that.  It is following the path of Jesus- the path of love and light.  It is not just the practical teaching of love of neighbor or enemy that Christians follow, but also the teachings about God.  Jesus emphasized God as Father, even calling him "abba."  Jesus also claimed that if we see Him we see the Father- and He emphasized He was God in the flesh.  This is part of the way too- that distinguished Saul from those he was persecuting.
   Ironically, Saul was told when he persecuted believers in Christ he was persecuting Christ himself.  Those who are in this way of Christ are just following behind Him, or even with Him, but they are one with Him as a part of His body.  We are in the way and on the way with Him.  When Saul was being converted, Jesus told Saul where to go.  The way is not just a philosophy, but there is practical and directional guidance from our Lord.  The way is not just a spiritual, unearthly existence, but it is concrete- from the One who made all elements that make things concrete.  Jesus not only teaches the way- He IS the way- and asks us to be One with Him in our every day living.  

Prayer: Lord, apart from you I am lost. Keep me from forgetting what you have done.  Keep me in your way- and help me to encourage others to walk with you in this blessed wa.