PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 9:32-43
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“She was always doing good and helping the poor.” (Acts 9:36)
In this story we see the blessing of God’s love multiplying to many.
We do not know how Tabitha became “a disciple” (follower) of Jesus (9:36).
There is no mention of a husband or family, so she may have been a widow herself.
But she is a widow with means, and somehow she was impacted by God’s love in Jesus.
God’s love for her in Jesus meets her in her need, and she is transformed.
God’s love multiplies through her to the poor, especially the widows.
When she dies, their being loved by her leads to their grieving love for her.
They plead to the Lord through Peter for mercy, because they love her.
The Lord in love hears their prayer, and she is restored to life, to love again.
The Lord’s plan is to bless many, so that they can be a blessing.
We have been graciously loved, so that we can now spread God’s gracious love to others.
As Jesus followers, our communities can experience us like they experienced Tabitha.
It is not what we do, but what Jesus does through us, that spreads God’s love.
Will I become known for “always doing good and helping the poor?” (Acts 9:36)
PRAYER
Lord, you are using this story to encourage me to receive your love and to equip me to share it with others. Use me like Tabitha to multiply God’s gracious love.
“they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”” I wonder what the believers had in mind when they called Peter? Pastorally, we know that many people were grieving the loss of a dear friend – one who had helped so many other widows. Calling in Peter to bring words of comfort – of hope. By believing in Jesus we believe in a living hope – so Peter brought hope – but he did more than that and he prayed that Jesus/God would restore her as further affirmation of the true ‘living’ hope that we have. Tabitha, would brought so much cheer and love to so many – now could continue her ministry of blessing others. Just thinking of the impact of her ‘resurrection’ did – how it furthered the gospel! I too am an ambassador of living hope – HS bring hope!
What effect do I have on those around me? What am I known for? What will they say when I am gone? What will be my epitaph?
God has blessed me and I need to share that blessing to others. The words I say and the deeds I do show what is important to me – serving the Lord. May others see Jesus Christ living in me as I live for Him.
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve thee to the end;
Be thou forever near me,
My Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If thou wilt be my guide.