She’s been called the “Needle and Thread Christian,” but there’s more to her story than just being an accomplished seamstress. Tabitha (or Dorcas, as she’s usually called) was a vital part of the expanding work of the early Church in the Joppa area, and both her life and her death revealed a woman of sterling character and practical Christianity. In fact, in the eight verses of Luke’s account, he outlines some outstanding features of her service, which should have a practical impact on all our lives.
Her Genuine Discipleship
Luke introduces her as a “certain disciple.” We’re not told when Dorcas was saved, but it’s evident that she had received the Savior and her life had been transformed. Love for Christ and love for others now marked her life. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (Joh 13:35 KJV). She had left all to loyally follow Christ, and as she followed, she learned the rich lessons of the Lord’s lowly grace, His moral beauties, and His tender compassions for those around Him. Grace transformed her life and perspective as she now gave crystal-clear evidence of “likeness to her Lord.” She was known as a woman who was “full of good works and acts of charity” (Act 9:36 ESV), a wonderful reflection of her Savior who Himself “went about doing good” (10:38). Many had experienced her practical Christianity and considered her their friend. I wonder what marks me as a Christian, as a disciple of Christ?
Her Personal Discernment
It’s noteworthy that Dorcas’ ministry centred on the widows of the area. Was she a widow herself? We’re not told, but some have suggested that she was, and if this was the case, she would have known the poverty, the sadness and the desolation of widowhood. Whatever the case, she quickly identified true need and then moved to address it. You can almost hear her saying, “My, look at Moriah’s threadbare coat. She’s had that garment a long time and it will never keep her warm during the winter season. I must make her a new one.” So, what do we see when we look around at the various believers in the assembly as well as neighbours and associates? Sadly, our focus many times is clouded and self-centred. We fail to discern the needs of others – perhaps a struggling student, a burdened mother, an unemployed father, a sad widow or widower, a friendless child, a discouraged elder. It’s no wonder that the Lord told His own disciples, “Lift up your eyes …,” for their perspective was too low.
Her Practical Diligence
Dorcas’ discernment didn’t end there but rather prompted her to go home and begin sewing. Custom garments with tailor-made fits soon were passed on and the resultant joy and encouragement were far-reaching. Was she rich? We’re not told. In full-time employment? Again, unknown. But what we do know is that she used her ability and whatever resources she had for the benefit of others. It’s no wonder that the widows were weeping as they stood around her lifeless body and showed Peter the tunics and other garments she had personally made for them. Luke doesn’t indicate the time and expense involved, but for Dorcas, her Christianity was expressed by the work of her hands. I still remember visiting an elderly widow in western Canada who lamented the fact that she was a little “behind schedule” for she had only made 60 quilts by mid-summer for the missionary work in Africa. Again, we need to ask ourselves, what are we doing to meet the needs of those around us? It’s sad when we have intentions that are never carried out.
Her Revealed Devotion
The scene in the upper room was moving and heart-warming. Dorcas’ kindness and labors were on full display as each widow held up the results of her labor and love. Few likely would have known the hours and expense involved in supplying the garments, but now the results are seen in full detail. Interestingly, it was only after her death that her devotion to her fellow believers was fully seen. Isn’t that often the case? Sometimes, we take for granted those who labor among us and rarely express our appreciation for their care and sacrifice on our behalf while they are living. It’s only when they’re gone that we realize all that they have done while in our midst. I wonder what will be the impact of my life upon my departure? Hardly missed or deeply felt?
Her Unexpected Discovery
But the unexpected happened. The bountiful acts of charity were upended by sickness and death. Kind hands tenderly laid the still body of their fellow believer and friend in an upper chamber. Peter was quickly summoned from Lydda, and as he knelt down and prayed, he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, arise.” As she opened her eyes, she saw Peter and sat up. Was she startled, thrilled, amazed? Luke doesn’t record her reaction, but as the widows and saints poured into the room, their joy was overwhelming, and the news of her resuscitation perhaps became the headline for the next edition of the Joppa Post! In that dramatic moment, she would have seen the ones she had ministered to, along with the evidence of her practical help. Without a doubt, she must have determined to continue to sew with all her might for the rest of her life.
I think the account is a little foretaste of a far greater awakening for all of us as believers, for the day is coming when we too shall awake to see our Lord Himself, along with the true results of our work. As David Gooding writes, “Our work for God and man is valuable in and of itself for the good it does in this life. But its significance and value do not end in the grave. We too shall see our work again (1Co 15:50-58). Here then is encouragement to persist in toil, and a warning not to indulge in shoddy workmanship.”1 At the Judgement Seat of Christ, our lives and works will be examined and tested, and if they are approved, we’ll have the joy of having pleased our Lord, along with the joy of having been a blessing to others.
So, in view of that day, get out your “needle and thread” (your talents and abilities) and use them to honor your Lord and bless others.
1 David Gooding, Bringing Us to Glory (Belfast, N. Ireland: The Myrtlefield Trust, 2020), 218.
