Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Scripture

“She was devoted to good works and acts of charity.” Acts 9:36b

Reflections

Jesus had been raised from the dead.  His Spirit was poured out upon his followers.  His followers continued to do the kinds of things that Jesus did, bringing about life and hope to a broken world.

Tabitha was one of those followers, a woman disciple in Joppa.  She was devoted to good works and acts of charity.  She was a seamstress, sewing clothing for others in need.  She willingly gave of her time and effort to help the least, the last, and the lost.

We read in Acts 9 how she had become ill and died.  Peter came, knelt down alongside the bed, and prayed.  “Tabitha, get up.”  She opened her eyes and sat up.  The words of Jesus in John 14 came to fruition; “The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these.”

It was indeed a miracle, bringing life where once there was death.  Tabitha was given more years before entering God’s eternal kingdom.  But the Spirit was manifested in more than just the spectacular.  It was manifested through Tabitha’s ministry of compassion.

Regardless of the number of years we have been given in this life, we’re all called through the Spirit to bring life and hope to a broken world, even when it is through the simplest acts of caring.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the example of Tabitha, a simple servant.  Help me to faithfully do the kinds of things that you did, bringing life and hope to our broken world.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Acts 9:36-43

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