Page 16 - January 2025 - Truth & Tidings

he’s been called the “Needle and a disciple of Christ?
Thread Christian,” but there’s more
Sto her story than just being an ac- Her Personal Discernment
complished seamstress. Tabitha (or Dor- It’s noteworthy that Dorcas’ ministry
cas, as she’s usually called) was a vital part centred on the widows of the area. Was
of the expanding work of the early Church she a widow herself? We’re not told,
in the Joppa area, and both her life and but some have suggested that she was,
her death revealed a woman of sterling and if this was the case, she would have
character and practical Christianity. In known the poverty, the sadness and the
fact, in the eight verses of Luke’s account, desolation of widowhood. Whatever the
he outlines some outstanding features of case, she quickly identified true need and
her service, which should have a practical then moved to address it. You can almost
impact on all our lives. hear her saying, “My, look at Moriah’s
threadbare coat. She’s had that garment a
Her Genuine Discipleship long time and it will never keep her warm
Luke introduces her as a “certain during the winter season. I must make her
disciple.” We’re not told when Dorcas a new one.” So, what do we see when we
was saved, but it’s evident that she had look around at the various believers in
received the Savior and her life had been the assembly as well as neighbours and
transformed. Love for Christ and love for associates? Sadly, our focus many times
others now marked her life. “By this shall is clouded and self-centred. We fail to
all men know that ye are my disciples, if discern the needs of others – perhaps a
ye have love one to another (Joh 13:35 struggling student, a burdened mother,
KJV). She had left all to loyally follow an unemployed father, a sad widow or
Christ, and as she followed, she learned widower, a friendless child, a discouraged
the rich lessons of the Lord’s lowly grace, elder. It’s no wonder that the Lord told His
His moral beauties, and His tender com- own disciples, “Lift up your eyes ...,” for
passions for those around Him. Grace their perspective was too low.
transformed her life and perspective as
she now gave crystal-clear evidence of Her Practical Diligence
“likeness to her Lord.” She was known Dorcas’ discernment didn’t end there
as a woman who was “full of good works but rather prompted her to go home
and acts of charity” (Act 9:36 ESV), a and begin sewing. Custom garments
wonderful reflection of her Savior who with tailor-made fits soon were passed
Himself “went about doing good” (10:38). on and the resultant joy and encourage-
Many had experienced her practical Chris- ment were far-reaching. Was she rich?
tianity and considered her their friend. I We’re not told. In full-time employment?
wonder what marks me as a Christian, as Again, unknown. But what we do know

16 TRUTH kTidings January 2025