Tabitha-Full of Good Works

In the city of Joppa there was a follower named Tabitha (whose Greek name was Dorcas). She was always doing good deeds and kind acts. Acts 9:36 (NCV)

My mom came from a family of twelve, and I am one of thirty grandchildren from that family. I have so many fun memories of my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Soda crackers with cheese, salmon patties, and scalloped potatoes were my favorite foods at grandpa and grandma's house. In their last years they lived in a large two-story retirement home. We rode the elevator up and down for fun when the adults were visiting, and pushed each other on a luggage cart through the open community room, on the elevator, and down the halls. Occasionally, a door in the long hallway would open and a stranger would scold us for being too loud. My grandma never raised her voice at us!

When I read this passage I thought of my grandma. She was kind, and was always doing good deeds. The one that is very clear in my mind is the sewing and mending she did for others throughout her lifetime. I can still picture her snipping the thread and wetting it between her lips before inserting it into the eye of the needle. Her patterns were cut to perfection and the seams were sewn meticulously. The garments were fitted to perfection. She also tatted and crocheted hankies as gifts for others. I wonder how many ladies still have one of her hankies tucked away as a special memory of her. I can picture my grandma as being Tabitha in this story.

The story of Tabitha is very short, and is found in Acts 9:36-42. After she is introduced in verse 36, it goes on to say she became sick and died. As was the custom, she was prepared for burial and placed in the upper chamber. When some disciples heard of her death, they sent for Peter. They brought him to the upper room and all the widows stood by him crying and showing the coats and garments Tabitha had made for them. Peter sent them out and knelt beside her and prayed. He then turned to her body and said, "Tabitha, stand up." She opened her eyes and when she saw Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and widows into the room and showed them that Tabitha was alive. People everywhere in Joppa learned about this, and many believed in the Lord.

Tabitha had made an enormous impact in the lives of the residents in Joppa by her good works and charitable deeds. When she died, her room was full of mourners, many very likely being ones she had helped. When she was brought back to life, the exciting, miraculous news raced through the town. By her testimony, many came to know the Lord!

We must never wish we had other gifts, or greater gifts. Rather, make good use of the gifts God has given you. God uses great preachers like Peter, and He also uses those who have gifts of kindness like Tabitha. In some versions of this passage, Tabitha is called a disciple; a pupil of a teacher. She learned from Jesus and used her knowledge and skills to be more like Him; full of good works.

Lord, thank you for Tabitha's example. Help us to see the needs of others and show them kindness. We want to learn from You and be full of good works.

Janet Stutzman