Acts 9:36-43 (NRSV)
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Verse 36Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. Verse 37At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Verse 38Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." Verse 39So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Verse 40Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. Verse 41He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. Verse 42This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Verse 43Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
Devotion
Tabitha was known for her kindness. She sewed tunics for widows, caring for her neighbors in need. When she died, the people in her life washed her body and laid her in a room upstairs. They sent for Peter, perhaps having already heard of his brush with the risen Christ, hoping he might spare them from their grief. Peter prays and speaks a word of life, and then, Tabitha rises.
This story does not deny the reality of death. The widows still wept; they still felt grief. And yet, life was restored—a sign of Christ’s presence within human suffering, even in death. Tabitha’s life and her rising bear witness to a savior who enters death itself to bring us to life. Until the day we too are raised, we strive to live as she did: serving, loving, and trusting in the presence of our Lord.
Prayer
God of life, in suffering and in hope, sustain us with your mercy. Amen.
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