The Miracle of Dorcas

00:00:00 Speaker 1: He is the one you praise. He is your God who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes Deuteronomy ten twenty one. Almighty God, we come before you in awe, praising your holy name for your wonders you have done. You are the one we praise, the one who has performed great and mighty works that fill us with amazement. Thank You for your creation, your miracles, and your steadfast love. We ask that you renew a deep sense of awe at your mighty works in us. Open our eyes to see your hand in every part of our lives, and fill our hearts with reverence for your power and majesty. Help us to never take your wonders for granted, but to continually lift up our voices and praise and gratitude for all that you are. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Dramatic stories inspired by the Bible. Remain here for another story from our mini series on the Birth of the Church. The room was covered in dense darkness, but not for a lack of light. Several men and women were scattered around the room weeping. Despite their best efforts to control themselves, their broken spirits allowed their emotions to seep out. They knew their friend, who lay on the bed in a spiraling illness, deserved a sign of strength to help her find her own, but in a display of irony, she seemed to be the one comforting them. 00:01:55 Speaker 2: My beloved friends, weep not for me. I know where I am headed. Really, you should all be jealous of me, for I will know the grandness of heaven before you. All. 00:02:14 Speaker 1: Her friends laughed through the breaks in their tears. Dorcas was always caring for others, but none could have imagined this selflessness would be just as strong on her deathbed. 00:02:27 Speaker 2: But I do have one request for you all, Before. 00:02:34 Speaker 1: Her words trailed off. Her friends had discouraged her from talking of her fate with such fatalism, but she knew her body best and had accepted her illness would soon consume her entirely, but her hope remained strong. Her trust in the Lord had ensured that she had no fear in life, and she was determined to keep that resolute spirit even into death. A young man beside the bed responded. 00:03:05 Speaker 3: Anything Tabitha whatever you ask. 00:03:08 Speaker 1: Tavy addressed her by her Aramaic name. Toby had met her when he was a child following the death of his parents. Dorcas had welcomed him into her home. He had not only grown to care for her, but saw her as family Toavy was intent on repaying her kindness anyway he could. 00:03:30 Speaker 2: Please remain in the faith. I know this hasn't been easy on any of you, but the Lord will provide for everyone. Trust in him. 00:03:46 Speaker 1: Dorcas shared her wishes through labored breaths. When she finished, she dropped her head back on to her pillow, where she closed her eyes for the final time. 00:03:58 Speaker 4: Today we're learning about the seamstress who stitched a community together. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. We've been taking the better part of this month to go through the birth of the Church, these early stories in the Book of Acts that showcase Christ's strength through imperfect people. Today, we're diving into a story from Acts nine thirty six to forty three that's got everything. It's got drama, miracles, and fashion. Yes I said it fashion. Oh and I forgot to mention. This story also showcases the lamest name in all of Scripture. Dorcas. 00:04:35 Speaker 1: The winter morning's chill was burning away as the sun climbed over the snowy mountains in the distance. Spring was approaching, and with it new life. For the first time in weeks, Peter saw birds take flight before the sun on a new search for twigs to brace their nests. If he were quiet enough, he could catch sight of the peaks of gazelle horns darting over the brittle gray underbrush. Peter admired the Lord's beautiful creation and its captivating wonder This glorious handiwork was all being sustained by the Creator. Peter pondered on his own place in it all. Recently, the Pharisee soul had swung from becoming the church's greatest threat to boldly speaking on the Lord's behalf throughout Jerusalem. It also made Peter realize how small the world really was compared to the sovereignty of God, who held the expanse of the heavens and Earth in the span of his hand. Peter continued to marvel at the Lord's power as he walked. He had found the traveling throughout the country had given him much more time to work through his thoughts unnecessary practice he had found to keep his mind focused on the Lord and his mission, and while Jerusalem had become his second home, he had welcomed the chance to visit believers in other cities. The day his sights, his sights were set on the people of Lida. It was midday by the time Peter made his way past the first few homes that sat on the town's border. He was aware of the presence of other disciples in the city and was determined to meet them first. However, as they often did when following the spirit, Peter's plans quickly changed when he noticed some one curled up on the side of the road on a beaten up mat lay a man who looked a fair bit younger than Peter. From the frayed edges of his blanket, he could only assume that he had been there for quite some time. Peter turned and approached the man. The apostle had expected him to introduce himself, or at the very least ask for money, but it was evident that the coldness of both winter and years without the use of his legs had drained the man of his last bits of energy. Instead, the man simply watched Peter without so much as an at. The man's name was Annaeus. He had been raised as a stonemason, with dreams of constructing grand palaces for kings a nobleman, but he had lost the use of his legs eight years ago when he had fallen from the top of a house he was builting. The accident had left him with no hope for a life outside of the confines of his personal prison. He refused to complain about his unfortunate circumstances, but the years had taken a toll on his morale. No longer able to feign happiness at passer spy, he had resigned himself to complacency. Peter's heart was swept over with compassion and empathy for the poor fellow. Though Peter had been blessed with health, he knew what it was like to be at the end of your rope in need of a hand up. 00:08:03 Speaker 5: Solon, would you mind if I took a seat here while I rested? 00:08:10 Speaker 1: Anaeus grunted and shrugged his shoulders. He had occasionally had travelers who would come and offer him empty platitudes alongside a few coins if they could spare any, and was bracing himself for another such interaction. Peter gently sat at anaeus feet. He knew the hardened shell was only a means of protection for the young man. He gingerly tried to make a connection with him. 00:08:35 Speaker 5: Young man, what is your name? 00:08:38 Speaker 1: An Aus gave the stranger a sideways glance. It had been longer than he could remember since some one asked him his name. He swapped in a feeble attempt to wet his dry throat. 00:08:49 Speaker 5: Ah, Anaeus, A pleasure to meet you, Eneus, My name is Peter. 00:08:56 Speaker 1: Anaeus pretended to care, but deep down he was hoping he wouldn't have to talk for long so he could get back to trying to sleep. 00:09:04 Speaker 5: Tell me, Eneus, I imagine that life out in the cold doesn't suit a young man like yourself. Would you like to be healed? 00:09:13 Speaker 1: An As was offended at Peter's directness. He was insulted at such a question, and would have had to restrain himself from striking a stranger if he had had the strength to move. He did his best to remain respectful, though did so through gritted teeth. 00:09:28 Speaker 6: I would very much like to be healed, But doctors, priests, and healers have all tried, They say there's nothing that can be done. 00:09:38 Speaker 1: Peter grinned and caught an as fully off guard. 00:09:41 Speaker 5: I believe I know a physician you haven't seen before, though you may have heard of him. 00:09:47 Speaker 6: I've seen every doctor I could afford from here to Cesarea. If he's any good, I think I would have heard of him. 00:09:54 Speaker 5: The physician I speak of comes from somewhere a bit farther than the roads. You and I, and yes, I speak of Jesus Christ. It is he who heals you. 00:10:06 Speaker 1: Anaeus was confused at Peter's language. He spoke as though this physician had already healed him. He was about to retort the claim when he was distracted by his blankets. At first, he hadn't realized it, but Annaeus could feel the slight pressure caused by Peter sitting on the end of his mat. He wiggled his toes and let out a jovial laugh. He quickly looked up at Peter, his jaw dropping into a wide smile. 00:10:37 Speaker 5: Now, come get up and roll up your mat. You won't be needing it any longer. 00:10:45 Speaker 1: Whales rang out from dorcas room as Tavy held her lifeless hand in his. He refused to believe she was gone, and was dumb struck by how quickly. 00:10:56 Speaker 5: Life could believe a person. 00:10:59 Speaker 1: He looked upon the body of his friend, but the spirit that made her who she was had departed. He allowed himself to break down into tears. He looked around the room for some sort of comfort, but found none. Heartbreak was eating away at his companions as fast as it was eating away at him. He wiped his face and found his composure. 00:11:23 Speaker 7: I won't accept it. 00:11:24 Speaker 5: I can't, Dovvy, you must. There's nothing anyone can do. She's gone. 00:11:32 Speaker 1: Tavvy wouldn't allow himself to fall into the pit of despair. He stared at the blank wall when a light went off in his head. 00:11:41 Speaker 3: There's nothing we can do, but there is one who can. I've heard word that the Apostle Peter is near. I must go to him at once. There is anyone who can help. It's him, even if just to help our people grieve our loss. 00:11:58 Speaker 1: Even though Dorcas was gone, there wasn't a minute to waste. He had promised Dorcas he wouldn't lose faith. He trusted that God would provide for her needs. Tavy jumped to his feet and ran to the door for his cloak. He knew if he was quick, he could make the journey by nightfall. Peter spent the afternoon with Anaeus, teaching him about the great physician. Those who recognized the once lame man joined in their conversations. Soon many in the city had believed in Jesus. Peter knew that this was only the beginning. By the late afternoon, he had made his way through Lyda and found the house of one of the believers and knocked. The door swung open, suddenly, nearly hitting Peter in the face. He stood nearly ahead above the elderly woman who opened the door to greet him. 00:12:54 Speaker 2: Oh, you must be the apostle, Peter. I am so glad you found the house. My name is Ailah. I was told you would be here this afternoon, but your arrival is celebrated none the less. Oh, please come in and rest, eat some food before we get started. Can I get you a drink? Take your bag for you. 00:13:21 Speaker 1: Peter was alarmed at Ailah's agile mind. Despite her rage, she jumped from thought to thought with apparent ease. She scampered into the house. Peter assumed that was her way of inviting him in. She ran off to the kitchen and promptly returned with dishes stacked high upon her arms. Peter was worried they would tumble over, but she floated across the room and casually laid out the plates, as though she had done this countless times. Peter had mapped out his priorities for the trip and ran over them. In his mind. The plan was to teach the believers and help establish the necessary structure for the people to thrive. He began to share his thoughts with Aila when the two heard a fist pounding at the door. Ailah glided through the house and opened the door to find the disheveled young man clearly out of breath. 00:14:17 Speaker 7: Good evening, ma'am. I'm sorry to interrupt your evening, but I'm looking for a man by the name of Peter. 00:14:23 Speaker 1: On hearing his name, Peter slid his chair back and stood against the wall between the kitchen and the entryway. The young man caught sight of him and began to address him fervently. 00:14:34 Speaker 7: You must be him, the apostle, Peter. My name is Tavey. I've come from Joppa on behalf of the believers there. One of our very finest has passed away. 00:14:45 Speaker 1: Tavvy was choked up at saying the words for the first time. His focus on traveling to Lida had given him momentary distraction from the harsh reality of home. 00:14:56 Speaker 7: Please, you must come for the good of the people. Tabitha has done more for the believers in Joppa than the rest of us combined. Having the support of an apostle at a time like this would surely encourage everyone. 00:15:10 Speaker 1: Peter walked up and placed a fatherly hand on Tavy. He looked at Aila, not wanting to disappoint her and the people of Lida who were expecting his stay to be longer. The elderly woman just smiled and nodded. Years of life experience had given her a profound understanding of its ever changing nature. 00:15:33 Speaker 2: It sounds like you're needed elsewhere for now. With the testimony Avinus, I'm sure the believers here are far more encouraged than they were just yesterday. 00:15:46 Speaker 1: Peter directed Tavienne through the door and made plans to leave at the first light of morning. The road to Joppa was long, but it gave Peter ample time to hear more of Tavvy's story, though, to his surprise, the young disciples spoke more of Dorcas than he did of himself. There was no mistaking Tavvy's endearment to the motherly figure. 00:16:10 Speaker 7: Here it is Tabitha's house, Please come in. 00:16:14 Speaker 1: Dreariness had beset the poor house. Floorboards creaked in the silence of death's bitter sting. Than only a few short days, dust had collected on the tables and chairs, a haunting reminder that Dorcas constant upkeep, was no longer present. Tavvy took Peter upstairs. Several of the other believers surrounded the bed in mournful prayers. The top the bed lay Dorcas in Tavvy's absence. The others had washed her and covered her in their finest cloth. When some of the grieving widows saw Peter, they hurried over to him, clenching delicately crafted robes in their fists. 00:16:55 Speaker 2: Oh how you would have loved her. She was always doing something for others, even when her own dresses were falling apart. She was weaving beautiful clothes for us. It didn't matter, though, for she still glowed radiantly, a true gem of our people. 00:17:14 Speaker 1: Peter had been beckoned to comfort the morning community, but he was stirred with the feeling that Dorcas had been taken from the people far too early. 00:17:24 Speaker 5: I have no doubt that Dorcas loved you with the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:30 Speaker 1: The love of Jesus, a love that knew no bounds. Peter had seen it on display countless times, but being in this upper room in the midst of the people's heavy grief left him thinking of one instance in particular. At the time, Jesus had sworn Peter and the Zebedee brothers to secrecy until after his own death. What he was contemplating to do next was more for them than it was for Dorcas. 00:18:00 Speaker 5: If I may have the room, it should only be a moment. 00:18:05 Speaker 1: In their sorrow. Nobody objected to Peter's request. They slunk from the room to the funeral march of their sobbing. Once the door was closed behind them, Peter knelt down at the side of dorcas bed. He took her hand in his and began praying. He muttered with his eyes shut tight as his memory drew up flashes of Jerry's house. Though his eyes were closed, Peter in vision Jesus kneeling beside him The thought invigorated the apostle. He leaned over Dorcas's body and whispered into her ear. Tabitha get up instantly. Dorcas threw her eyes open and gasped. She tilted her head towards Peter startled. She sat upright in the bed. 00:18:56 Speaker 5: It's quite all right, deby. My name is Peter here. Let me help you up. They're careful now. 00:19:03 Speaker 1: Peter helped Tabitha to her feet. She felt as though she had just awoken from the most pleasant sleep, full of dreams that were quickly fading from her memory. She took note of the empty room. 00:19:16 Speaker 5: Not to worry. Everyone is waiting just downstairs for you. Let me call them. 00:19:23 Speaker 1: Peter stepped toward the stairway. As Tabitha tried to piece together what had happened, the last thing she could recall was encouraging Tavvy and the others. She could only guess at how much time had passed since she heard the sound of racing footsteps stomping up the stairs. Tavvy's face beamed at the sight of Dorcas. He was followed by the others, whose tears of mourning had turned into tears of joy. Peter was the last to walk back in. He watched contentedly from the corner of the room as friends embraced one another. Life was pulsing through the house once more. A spirit of God had fed their weary souls, and by the look on Dorcas's face, Peter knew just what needed to happen next. 00:20:13 Speaker 5: Tavey, please get out of Tabitha something to eat? 00:20:16 Speaker 1: Huh? 00:20:19 Speaker 4: All right, So let's talk about Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. And I can't not smile when I hear that name. Now, if you're like me, immature and like a junior hire, you were thinking, who names their kid Dorcas? But before we judge her parents, let's remember that Dorcas means gazelle, a creature known for its grace and its beauty. So picture our sister Tabitha as an embodiment of elegance and kindness. Tabitha was the kind of woman who didn't just talk about love. She wore it on her sleeve and stitched it into every garment she made. She was full of good works and charitable deeds in everything that she did. Notice that the scripture doesn't say which she intended to do or what she felt inspired about. No, she put her faith into action, needle by needle, thread by thread. When she fell ill and died, the community was devastated. The widows, those often overlooked and marginalized, stood around Peter, weeping and showing off the tunics and garments Dorcas had made. It was a divine fashion show with a message, this is what love looks like. And I want that for my funeral. I want that when my final breaths are made. I want everyone in my life to have a tangible example of how I loved the community, how I loved them and affected their lives. And because these people love her, they sent for Peter, who's nearby in Lida. Peter arrives and is greeted by this emotional display. Now Peter could have easily been overwhelmed or even skeptical, but instead he takes a page out of Jesus's playbook. He asks everyone to leave the room, perhaps to avoid any distractions or to create an intimate space for God's work. Then Peter prays. He doesn't launch into a grand speech or perform a theatrical ritual. He simply turned to the body and says Tabitha arise and she opens her eyes. Imagine that moment. One minute, the room is filled with sorrow, the next it's overflowing with astonished joy. Peter presents her alive to the saints and the widows, and the news spreads faster than any rumor on social media. Many believed in the Lord because of this miracle. So what can we learn from this incredible story. First, Tabitha shows us the impact of a life lived in service. She didn't perform grand miracles or delivers sturing sermons. She used the gifts that she had, her sewing skills, to bless others. Sometimes the most profound ministry happens not on the pulpit or not on the big screens, but in the everyday acts of kindness that we offered to one another, using the skills that we have available to us and the resources, as little or as great as they are, to simply bless other people. Second, Peter's actions remind us of the power of prayer and the importance of following Jesus's example. He didn't rely on his own strength. He didn't make this a grain spectacle about himself. He knelt down silently in an empty room and prayed. How often do we face overwhelming situations and forget to see God's guidance first? How often are we wanting to prove something to others that were faithful or that we're capable, and so we rob ourselves of a beautiful, intimate moment with God and actually miss out on the miracles. Lastly, let's not overlook where Peter stays after this miracle with Simon A. Tanner. Now, Tanners weren't exactly the most popular folks back then. Their profession was considered unclean because they worked with dead animals. Yet Peter chose to lodge with him. This is significant. It's a hint that Peter's heart is starting to change, preparing him for the next big step when he's going to proclaim the gospel to the gentiles. Now, that's a story for next time.