In the town of Joppa lived Tabitha (Aramaic), alias Dorcas (Greek), the name means deer or gazelle, and she was dear to all in the community. (Acts 9:36-42) She is the only woman mentioned as a disciple in the New Testament.
Generous woman
She did a lot of good work, loving deeds that helped the poor, widows and marginalized. Dorcas became ill and died. Her body was washed and placed in the upper room. The believers in Joppa contacted Peter, who arrived. The widows stood weeping and displaying the kind heart and deeds of Dorcas in the form of tunics and robes. As led by the Holy Spirit, Peter ordered all the people to go out of the room, knelt and prayed. Then, he said, “Tabitha, Rise.” Dorcas rose from the dead.
Life lessons:
1. Use your talents and gifts: With skilful hands, a kind heart, creativity, and resources like needles, thread, wool, skin of animals, she dramatically changed the lives of the people in the community.
2. Do good: All disciples are called to do good. The Scripture equips the saints of God to do good work. (II Timothy 3:15-17) Paul exhorts believers not to be weary of doing good, and in an appropriate time, will reap a harvest. (Galatians 6:9) Dorcas, without becoming weary, did good deeds. At her death, she was rewarded with an extended life, and this miracle became a trigger point for amazing Church Growth.
3. Relationships: Dorcas gave a personal touch to her charity work. Dorcas loved them. Hence, they gathered at their funeral to express their gratitude and mourn her.
4. Remember God uses His people: God uses his children. Simple and humble gifts to God are accepted and multiplied that blesses numerous people.
5. Home – a church: Dorcas’ home became a place of gathering for the poor, abandoned, neglected, marginalised, and widows. Where two or three are gathered together in the Name of the Lord, the good Lord is present. (Matthew 18:20) Obviously, Dorcas led a bible study or a house church.
Am I a blessing to my community as a disciple of the Lord?