Acts 9:36–43 (ESV)
Dorcas Restored to Life
36
Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near
Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping
and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she
sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.
Miracles have a way of getting people’s attention. In yesterday’s reading, Peter healed a man who had been paralyzed for eight years. In today’s reading, the impossible happens. Peter
is summoned to come to raise Tabitha from the dead in Joppa. Peter comes, clears the room, and raises her from the dead. He speaks “Tabitha, arise.” She arises and the people rejoice. It is interesting that Peter refers
to the believers as “saints”, and that is exactly what they are. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are a saint. It is not based on miracles or works, or some church body voting to make you a saint.
It is by faith alone! You either believe in Jesus Christ as your savior or you don’t. Your are either a saint or a nonbeliever.
I pray: O Lord, I pray for all the saints, to keep
their focus on you and to not fall away. I pray that you work through me and all saints to share the Gospel. I pray that as we tell the nonbelievers about the love of Jesus, that they will be convicted and converted by the Holy Spirit. Amen.