City Life Starter

Written by Paul Lane

The Word

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.

Acts 9:32-43 (ESV)

[a] The Aramaic name Tabitha and the Greek name Dorcas both mean gazelle

[b] Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin

⁸ And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)

Reflection

In this week’s passage, it strikes me that when Tabitha dies, the disciples in Joppa (modern day Jaffa) think that Lydda is close to Joppa, so let’s send a couple guys there to get Peter.  It makes sense that they would have heard of Peter.  He was one that followed Christ, spoke on the day of Pentecost, and he had healed many people of various illnesses.  So, it is reasonable to want Peter to come, but were they really thinking that Peter would be able to raise Tabitha from the dead?  Perhaps they were only looking for him to bring some words of comfort.  If they, for some reason, had asked me to come, that’s all I would have been thinking.  I don’t know if I would’ve had that kind of faith.

The distance between Joppa and Lydda is about 10-12 miles. So, in a walking society, one could walk from Joppa to Lydda in the morning, meet Peter, have lunch, and return to Joppa before sundown. So these events could have happened in a day or so. Also, if you look at the topography, you can see that the land between Lydda and Joppa is very flat. Jerusalem is about 22-25 miles southeast of Lydda, which would be twice the distance; however, the trip would be through hills and valleys. A trip to Jerusalem would certainly include an overnight stay and would need more consideration, but a quick jaunt to Lydda would be no problem. So, it makes sense that they could see Peter being in Lydda as an opportunity to reach out to him.

One thing that makes this story exciting is that Peter is so willing to come to them. In verse 32, it says that “Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived in Lydda.” So, it sounds like Peter didn’t really have a tight schedule, but rather he was simply ministering to whoever was around. So, the timing of the Joppa disciples sending people to bring Peter down, coincided with Peter being conveniently available in Lydda. Given that Peter was living a very “available” life, he was free to go with these men right away.

Application

Perhaps I do not have the faith Peter had to bring deeply beloved girls back from the dead, but I do have the ability to be “conveniently available.”  Perhaps it is not really the size of my faith, but rather the size of my availability.  Like when Philip stood by a chariot and listened to the Holy Spirit and was able to lead the Ethiopian to the Lord, just because he was available.

There is a line in the 1982 movie “The Verdict” that Paul Newman gives that has always stuck with me. “In my religion, they say, ‘Act as if ye had faith… and faith will be given to you.’” God is not looking for the type of faith that would test him by trying to jump off of cliffs and survive, or to go stand in front of trains. Superman is not real life. God is looking for faith that leads you to be available, listening, and obedient. It is in these things that God is able to bless and grow your faith, and do great things.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank You for the story of Tabitha and Peter’s availability. I am encouraged by her nature and the love that the disciples had for her. I pray that You show me the times in my day that I can be available for You to work in the lives of others. Given me a sensitive ear to hear the needs, a sensitive heart to minister to them, and a sense for wisdom to make good judgements. In Jesus name I pray, amen.