THE IMPACT OF ONE LIFE DEVOTED TO CHRIST
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It is the first century AD in the bustling harbor town of Joppa on the Mediterranean coast, 40 miles northwest of Jerusalem. A miraculous event is soon to occur that will glorify God and set the town abuzz.
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, empathy and mercy… together with a wealth of 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 has a powerful and far-reaching impact on the townspeople of Joppa. Her inspiring life, lived as a reflection of Jesus, uplifts those in her world. Many come 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 radiates love. She may not realize what an inspiration she is to others. Yet the people in her world are better because of her. What an impressive tribute to one’s life! The light of the Spirit shines forth through her 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 discovers the joy of serving… serving others and her King. She exhibits a servant’s heart… a humble, caring heart of mercy. Her empathy is displayed in her benevolent kindness toward the needy. Her creative gifts especially bless the widows whom society often overlooks.
To those in her world, Tabitha is “rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). She gladdens their hearts and cheers their spirits. She lives 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 praise and 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 her life touched appreciated her kindness, her caring, her faithfulness. Her life praised and glorified God not herself. She was willing to set aside her own desires and seek to honor Him with her kingdom fruit.
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 praise and glory with my life. I pray to be a blessing to those in my world. Fill me with Your compassion, kindness and empathy. Bless me Your heart of mercy. Let me brighten the lives of others with Your Spirit light within. May Your light shine forth as a beacon, drawing them to You. Let my kingdom work honor, exalt and delight You. For I seek not my own glory but Yours. All I do, I ultimately do for You alone. Amen.
