Pastor Clint
Acts 9:36-43
36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, (which translated into Greek means Dorcas). She was rich in acts of kindness and charity which she continually did. 37During that time it happened that she became sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upstairs room. 38Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Come to us without delay.” 39So Peter got up [at once] and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upstairs room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing [him] all the tunics and robes that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40But Peter sent them all out [of the room] and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise!” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand and helped her up; and then he called in the saints (God’s people) and the widows, and he presented her [to them] alive. 42This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord [that is, to adhere to and trust in and rely on Jesus as Christ and Savior]. 43And so it was that Peter stayed in Joppa for many days with Simon, a tanner.
Joppa
Tabitha
Acts 9:38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Come to us without delay.”
Exodus 3 “I have surely seen the affliction of my people”
Isaiah 65:24 “BEFORE they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”
John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now [He has never ceased working], and I too am working.”
- Lydda
Acts 9:34-35
34Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.” Immediately Aeneas got up.
35Then all who lived at Lydda and the plain of Sharon saw [what had happened to] him, and they turned to the Lord.
Our God is always at work for our good, for His glory, and for the furtherance of His Kingdom.
“God is making things happen for you. Even when you don’t see it, even when you can’t feel it, even if it’s not evident. God is working on your prayers.”
Acts 9:40 But Peter sent them all out [of the room] and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise!” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Mark 5:36 Overhearing what was being said, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; only keep on believing [in Me and my power].”
Mark 5:39 When He had gone in, He said to them, “Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is sleeping.”
- The Lord God has the FINAL word.
Mark 5:40 They began laughing [scornfully] at Him [because they knew the child was dead]. But He made them all go outside, and took along the child’s father and mother and His own [three] companions, and entered the room where the child was.
We pray alone so that an environment is created where faith can work unhindered by doubt or distraction.
We pray alone because we recognize our dependency on the miracle working power of the Lord.
What appears to be a near impossible task to you and I, are things that are already under the foot of the Lord Jesus.
Peter did the stuff and prayed a prayer of faith.
Acts 9:40-42
40But Peter sent them all out [of the room] and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise!” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand and helped her up; and then he called in the saints (God’s people) and the widows, and he presented her [to them] alive. 42This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord [that is, to adhere to and trust in and rely on Jesus as Christ and Savior].