Sunday Morning 05-13-12 - Viral 6
- by First Euless
Acts 9:32-43
Acts 9:32-43 NASB
Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up. And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. But Peter sent 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. And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
1. Amazing Individuals.
Acts 9:36-39 is the description of a commendable woman – one of two mentioned after Pentecost. Significant? I think so. She is a disciple - a learner, and a student. All else flows out of this! Not just a “Christian,” but someone following Christ.
1 Timothy 5:16
1 Timothy 5:16 NASB
If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.
Proverbs 31:19-22
Proverbs 31:19-22 NASB
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
- Notice the faith he had
v. 39-40 It took great faith to even be there! Notice the action he took. The people noticed that Peter did precisely what Jesus did in a similar situation. THAT is the school of ministry he attended. When we follow Jesus, we do some different/uncomfortable things – led by His Spirit!
Luke 8:52-55
Luke 8:52-55 NASB
Now they were all weeping and lamenting for her; but He said, "Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep." And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. He, however, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Child, arise!" And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He gave orders for something to be given her to eat.
- Notice the impact he brought
v. 42 It became known what had happened and many believed. What if?? ...we prayed at every crossroads for people…we looked at every opportunity as our chance to make Him known…we kept it in the front of our minds – Jesus can TURN ANYTHING AROUND.