BLESSED HANDS (4)

“Then he gave her his HAND and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her ALIVE” – Acts 9:41

Anointed Hands will often resonate with BLESSED HANDS that are active in God’s service: “Then he gave her his HAND and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her ALIVE” (Acts 9:41). God used Peter’s anointed hands to raise from the dead, Dorcas, who was renowned for her “blessed hands.” Dorcas, also called Tabitha, was a remarkable Hebrew Christian woman whose actions spoke louder than her words. She lived in the ancient biblical city of Joppa which was a major port and trading centre, and strategically located in the network of a major ancient trading route that aided in the distribution of imported and exported merchandise. This was the Joppa from where Jonah sailed to escape from God’s presence (Jon.1:3). It also features in Solomon’s temple construction story (2Chr.2:16).

Meanwhile. the Gospel had penetrated to Joppa, probably through those who were scattered abroad in the persecution that arose because of Stephen (Acts 8:4). Although the Bible is silent on her genealogy, marital or economic status, or family, verse 36 reveals salient information: “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.” She was a Christian woman, with hands diligent in good deeds and charitable works for the poor, for whom she had active compassion and tender mercy. She was well known by the widows for whom she sewed tunics and garments. In those days, ordering and purchasing materials, cutting, assembling, fitting, altering and sewing garments, cloaks and robes by hand were tedious and labour-intensive.

Dorcas willingly invested her time and effort to help others. It takes an emotionally, physically and spiritually strong woman to consistently and personally see to the needs of others. Understandably, the whole community felt a great loss when Tabitha became sick and died. After her body was washed and placed in an upper room, two men were dispatched to the nearby city of Lydda, where apostle Peter was staying, to invite him instantly to Joppa. Peter arrived to the sight of mourning widows who were upset about Tabitha’s death. They showed him the garments that she had made for them and told him of her many good deeds. In response, Peter sent everyone out of the room, knelt down and prayed to God. Then, he commanded “Tabitha, arise.” God miraculously restored her to life, and Peter presented her alive (vv.39-41).

Tabitha’s example of active, compassionate and tender service to God and humanity by ministering especially to the widows, is a worthy inspiration to women of all ages, to endeavour to serve others by whatever talents God has blessed them with: in sewing, arranging flowers, gardening, baking, cooking, music, caring for the sick or teaching children. Tabitha could be described as a “woman after God’s own heart”! Although the Bible does not use those exact words, the account of her life, death and resurrection was included as a very special example.

Since Tabitha’s good works were known in Joppa, especially among the widows, God used her notoriety and the event of her death and restoration to life as a means for preaching the gospel and calling many others: “It became known throughout all Joppa and many believed on the Lord” (v.42). Spirituality is not necessarily measured by our ability to preach, teach, pray, or speak in tongues. Practical Faith in Christ transcends words; it involves the testimonies of our actions, behaviour, conduct, and service – how we live. Dorcas was not a preacher, but she had a kind, sacrificial heart and diligent, serving hands, which God laid hold of and polished with His Grace. Her face radiated love which encouraged those who were in real need, in depression, poverty, perplexity, or any area of life that demanded help.

Dorcas had room in her heart for the need of others. God created room in His Heart to restore her to life. The synergy of Peter’s anointed hands and Dorcas’ diligent, skilled, and blessed hands produced immeasurable eternal impact.