A Woman’s Integrity & Resurrection
Your integrity is important. A woman in Joppa died… and her integrity was worthy of notice.
(NASB) Acts 9:36-37 “Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. This is a way to live sacrificially, “abounding with deeds of kindness and charity (done with love).
37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room.”
Tabitha’s integrity: she was always doing good deeds with kindness and she was always thinking of others in acts of charity. What integrity! What a record to leave! She was known as continually and habitually doing acts of kindness. Continually acting in kindness is sacrificial, isn’t it?
She was also known for her needle work – practical clothing such as tunics and other garments were made by her. (I like to think that those tunics and garments had beautiful embellishments that made them a delight to wear.)
The disciples in Joppa heard that Peter was not far away; in fact he was in Lydda. Peter was just eleven miles southeast of Joppa (Tel Aviv). Two men were sent to Peter, imploring and begging him to come. (Acts 9:38)
(NASB) Acts 9:39 “So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.”
Dorcas (Tabitha) died and was truly mourned. And the widows stood around Peter showing him their love for their friend and the work she did with her needle.
How did Peter respond?
(NASB) Acts 9:40 “But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’”
That was simple and direct, wasn’t it? Peter was alone with a dead body, he knelt and prayed and then turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, arise.”
God’s power through faith in the Lord Jesus was what Peter used… not his own power of being pious, even as a follower of the Lord Jesus. Peter had no power, but God had that kind of power.
(NASB) Acts 9:40-41 “…And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints (the believers) and widows, he presented her alive.”
What was the result of this resurrection miracle?
(NASB) Acts 9:42 “It became known all over Joppa, and many believed the Lord.”
~ Take it to heart ~
Tabitha’s legacy of integrity…
How do you evaluate your legacy of integrity?