THE IMPACT OF ONE LIFE DEVOTED TO CHRIST
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A miraculous event that will glorify God and set the town of Joppa abuzz is about to occur. It is the first century AD in this bustling harbor town on the Mediterranean coast, 40 miles northwest of Jerusalem. The Christian church at this time is growing and expanding its horizons.
The apostle Peter receives a desperate call from the believers in Joppa to come to the home of Tabitha (whose name in Greek is Dorcas). She is a disciple committed to the ways of Jesus Christ. This beloved member and active participant in the town’s Christian community has just passed away from an illness. Many whose lives she has touched are in deep mourning…
“All the widows stood around him (Peter), crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” – Acts 9:39
What an amazing impact Tabitha has had upon her community. She is being remembered for her generosity, her acts of kindness and her faithfulness to God’s will. She is leaving behind a legacy of loving compassion and kingdom fruit. This devout disciple modeled her life after her Savior.
Peter sends all the mourners out of the upper room. On his knees, he prays to the One who has power over life and death… the Living One who holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). He prays for a miracle…
“Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.” – Acts 9:40-41
Imagine the amazement and joy sweeping over all the people. The dear woman they thought they had lost is alive again! God is glorified by Peter’s miraculous resurrection of Tabitha.
“This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.” – Acts 9:42
In life and death and life again, Tabitha had a powerful and far-reaching impact on the townspeople of Joppa. Her inspiring life uplifted those in her world. She lived as a reflection of Jesus. Many came to believe because of her life of faith and her extraordinary resurrection.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
In this snapshot of Tabitha’s life in Scripture, we see a woman who radiated love. She may not have realized what an inspiration she was to others. Yet the people in her world were better because of her… a significant tribute to one’s life. The light of the Spirit shone forth in her life like a beacon, drawing seekers to her Savior.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” – Matthew 25:40
Tabitha discovered the joy of serving… serving others and her King. She exhibited a servant’s heart… a humble, caring heart of mercy. Her empathy was displayed in her caring kindness for the needy. Her creative gifts especially blessed the widows whom society often overlooked.
To those in her world, Tabitha was “rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). She gladdened their hearts and cheered their spirits. She lived out Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39).
“I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.” – John 17:4
Jesus perfectly modeled a servant’s heart… a heart of mercy and sacrifice. For He came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). He was a personification of sacrificial love… for His disciples… for the people to whom He ministered… and ultimately for all people for all time.
Jesus sought always to glorify the Father. This was the defining purpose of His life and ministry. He carried out His mission, the Master’s plan of salvation, to perfection. All His works… His healings, His deliverances, His miracles… all were for His Father’s glory.
“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.” – Colossians 3:23
Tabitha devoted her life to serving her King. Everyone whom her life touched appreciated her kindness, her caring, her faithfulness. Her life glorified God not herself. She was willing to set aside her own desires and seek to honor Him with her kingdom work.
As believers, we seek to spread the love of Christ in the world. In our kingdom work, we honor God and point others to Him. We are called to live our lives with a servant’s heart… a heart like Jesus. Like our Lord, glorifying God is to be our defining purpose in life. All we do is for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
† Eternal Takeaway: Living like Jesus glorifies God †
Lord… I seek to bring You glory with my life. May my kingdom work honor, exalt and delight You. I pray to be a blessing to those in my world. Fill me with Your compassion, kindness and empathy. Give me Your heart of mercy. Help me to brighten the lives of others with Your Spirit light within. May Your light shine forth as a beacon, drawing them to You. I seek not my own glory, but Yours. For all I do I ultimately do for You alone. Amen.
