Dorcas

Dorcas

Day 1

Dorcas

Her name means "Gazelle." "Tabitha" is its Hebrew equivalent.

She was an inhabitant of Joppa, a town on the Mediterranean coast thirty- five miles northwest of Jerusalem, she belonged to one of the earliest Christian congregations. She was a disciple known for her practical works of mercy.

Her sorrow was to have suffered a grave illness.

Her joy was to serve Jesus by serving the poor.

Key scriptures are Acts 9:36-43
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, 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 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

Day 2

Disciples

Dorcas is the only woman in Scripture to be honored with the designation of disciple. The presence of women in groups of disciples is implied at times, but Dorcas is the only one specifically called a disciple.

Disciple is rooted from verbs that mean "to learn" or " to follow." This was a word that described the activity of the disciple of the New Testament. This word was almost used exclusively to describe a follower of Jesus.

A disciple dedicated their time to learn from Jesus' teachings. Most of which could be summed up in his commands to love God and each other. They accepted his word as truth without questioning and willingly put into practice what they had learned. They also followed Jesus. This word means to become like the one that they followed, adopting the views and ways of life that Jesus demonstrated.

Dorcas learned of Jesus and decided to follow him. She adopted his views and lifestyle and lovingly lived out his commands by ministering to the poor around her. There was no mistaking that Dorcas was a disciple of Jesus Christ. Her devotion was recorded for all generations.

If someone were to record our lives in just a few words, what words do you think they would choose? What if our lives were filled with loving God and others. Do you think our lives could be summed up as Dorcas's life "In _______ there was a disciple named _______."

Day 3

Read Acts 9:36 - 41

Describe what you think the scene was like when Peter brought Dorcas back to her friends and neighbors.

Have you ever experienced such and event? What were the circumstances? How did you feel?

Acts 9:42

What sort of response did people have to Dorcas's miracle?

God was definitely glorified through Dorcas's life, death and resurrection. What if Dorcas had not been raised? Would God still have been glorified? How?

Day 4

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. -Acts 9:39

Reflect on Acts 9:36 - 43

Praise God for his power over death.

Offer thanks for answered prayers.

Confess any habit of limiting God's power to answer your prayer.

Ask God to make you a woman whose love for God has practical ramifications for those around her.

Day 5

Lift your heart

Is there a Dorcas in your life, a good man or woman who is suffering in some way? Someone, perhaps, who has been a great support in your own life? Resist the temptation to become depressed about what is happening to them and, instead, spend time this week praying in light of Dorcas's story. Let her miracle increase your faith and shape your prayers. If you have a photograph of the person, put it where you are most likely to be reminded to pray. Ask God to bring light out of the darkness of their present circumstances.

Lord, show me how to pray with increasing faith, aware that your Spirit is no less powerful today than two thousand years ago. Act on behalf of your servant, and glorify your name by what you do.