Page 17 - January 2025 - Truth & Tidings

is that she used her ability and whatever laid the still body of their fellow believer
resources she had for the benefit of oth- and friend in an upper chamber. Peter
ers. It’s no wonder that the widows were was quickly summoned from Lydda, and
weeping as they stood around her lifeless as he knelt down and prayed, he turned
body and showed Peter the tunics and to the body and said, “Tabitha, arise.” As
other garments she had personally made she opened her eyes, she saw Peter and
for them. Luke doesn’t indicate the time sat up. Was she startled, thrilled, amazed?
and expense involved, but for Dorcas, her Luke doesn’t record her reaction, but as
Christianity was expressed by the work the widows and saints poured into the
of her hands. I still remember visiting an room, their joy was overwhelming, and
elderly widow in western Canada who the news of her resuscitation perhaps be-
lamented the fact that she was a little came the headline for the next edition of
“behind schedule” for she had only made the Joppa Post! In that dramatic moment,
60 quilts by mid-summer for the mission- she would have seen the ones she had
ary work in Africa. Again, we need to ask ministered to, along with the evidence of
ourselves, what are we doing to meet the her practical help. Without a doubt, she
needs of those around us? It’s sad when we
have intentions that are never carried out. must have determined to continue to sew
with all her might for the rest of her life.
Her Revealed Devotion I think the account is a little foretaste
The scene in the upper room was mov- of a far greater awakening for all of us as
ing and heart-warming. Dorcas’ kindness believers, for the day is coming when we
and labors were on full display as each too shall awake to see our Lord Himself,
widow held up the results of her labor along with the true results of our work.
and love. Few likely would have known As David Gooding writes, “Our work for
the hours and expense involved in sup- God and man is valuable in and of itself
plying the garments, but now the results for the good it does in this life. But its
are seen in full detail. Interestingly, it was significance and value do not end in the
only after her death that her devotion to grave. We too shall see our work again
her fellow believers was fully seen. Isn’t (1Co 15:50-58). Here then is encourage-
that often the case? Sometimes, we take ment to persist in toil, and a warning not
for granted those who labor among us and to indulge in shoddy workmanship.” At
1
rarely express our appreciation for their the Judgement Seat of Christ, our lives and
care and sacrifice on our behalf while they works will be examined and tested, and
are living. It’s only when they’re gone that if they are approved, we’ll have the joy of
we realize all that they have done while having pleased our Lord, along with the
in our midst. I wonder what will be the joy of having been a blessing to others.
impact of my life upon my departure? So, in view of that day, get out your
Hardly missed or deeply felt? “needle and thread” (your talents and
Her Unexpected Discovery abilities) and use them to honor your Lord

But the unexpected happened. The and bless others.
bountiful acts of charity were upended by 1 David Gooding, Bringing Us to Glory (Belfast,
sickness and death. Kind hands tenderly N. Ireland: The Myrtlefield Trust, 2020), 218.

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