A Beautiful Believer
Acts 9:36a
"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas:"
The first thing we are informed about Dorcas is that she was a disciple, a Christian, one who believed in Christ. That was her reputation. She was known by others as a Christian. Do others know we are followers of Christ?
Her name means "gazelle" which is a beautiful animal. Whether or not she was beautiful on the outside we are not informed. But we are informed about her inner beauty in the beautiful things that she did:
Acts 9:36b
"this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did."
I have known some ladies who were not believers but did good deeds on behalf of mankind. One in particular would cook meals and run others to doctor appointments and later boast of all she did. Anyone can do an act of kindness for another but Jesus said in Mark 9:41
"For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." Man can do no good apart from Christ (Romans 3:12, 23,24). Dorcas was a believer, and through her faith in Christ and her being grateful to what He did for her could those good works come.
A Deceased Disciple
Acts 9:37
"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."
Acts 9:38
"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."
It is quite possible that Dorcas was busy serving at the time of her death. When a member of the church is busy and active, they are immediately missed when no longer there. I think of the dear people in Mrs Mullins church and how greatly she is missed because of her business and involvement in the lives of others.
A Generous Giver
Acts 9:39
"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."
Dorcas made garments as gifts for others. What a neat thing to do for people! I have so far accomplished knitting dishcloths and scarves for others as gifts, but that is as far as my skills have progressed. To be able to make clothes for others is a wonderful way to show love. When learning how to make scarves, I made one for each of my children. They weren't very good and had some mistakes in them, but the kids loved them because they were a gift from mom.
Mrs. Mullins was a giver. She painted beautifully and her paintings are on display in various places around church. She knew how to fill needs and be a blessing to others in giving. A few months back when my children were without beds, Mrs Mullins called up saying she had a full sized bed for the girls. She was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and helped provide a need without my ever telling her the kids were sleeping on air mattresses. How awesome to be used by God to be blessing to others!
A Marvelous Miracle
Acts 9:40
"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."
Acts 9:41
"And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive."
What a happy moment for the widows when they saw their dear friend alive again! And she came back to life to see a roomful of friends holding clothes she had made for them.
A Revival Resulted
Acts 9:42
"And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord."
Mrs. Mullins funeral was very well attended. I have never been to a more well-attended funeral. The gospel was presented just as she would want. Perhaps as a result, someone in attendance
A Deceased Disciple
Acts 9:37
"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."
Acts 9:38
"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."
It is quite possible that Dorcas was busy serving at the time of her death. When a member of the church is busy and active, they are immediately missed when no longer there. I think of the dear people in Mrs Mullins church and how greatly she is missed because of her business and involvement in the lives of others.
A Generous Giver
Acts 9:39
"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."
Dorcas made garments as gifts for others. What a neat thing to do for people! I have so far accomplished knitting dishcloths and scarves for others as gifts, but that is as far as my skills have progressed. To be able to make clothes for others is a wonderful way to show love. When learning how to make scarves, I made one for each of my children. They weren't very good and had some mistakes in them, but the kids loved them because they were a gift from mom.
Mrs. Mullins was a giver. She painted beautifully and her paintings are on display in various places around church. She knew how to fill needs and be a blessing to others in giving. A few months back when my children were without beds, Mrs Mullins called up saying she had a full sized bed for the girls. She was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and helped provide a need without my ever telling her the kids were sleeping on air mattresses. How awesome to be used by God to be blessing to others!
A Marvelous Miracle
Acts 9:40
"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."
Acts 9:41
"And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive."
What a happy moment for the widows when they saw their dear friend alive again! And she came back to life to see a roomful of friends holding clothes she had made for them.
A Revival Resulted
Acts 9:42
"And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord."
Mrs. Mullins funeral was very well attended. I have never been to a more well-attended funeral. The gospel was presented just as she would want. Perhaps as a result, someone in attendance
may have received Christ as Saviour. How awesome that in the death of one, another may find life everlasting!
My friend, Mrs. Mullins, will be missed, but I can rejoice in knowing I will see her again one glorious day!
My friend, Mrs. Mullins, will be missed, but I can rejoice in knowing I will see her again one glorious day!
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