A Word from Acts 9

What do you think is most important to the Lord: For those who are vulnerable and in need to be ministered to? For his followers to be conformed to his image? Or for his name to be glorified as people turn to him in faith? Or could it be that all of those important "elements of mission" happen best when they happen together?

I ask all this when I think about today's word in Acts Chapter 9. We're told about a discipled named Tabitha (or Dorcas in Greek), who "was always doing good and helping the poor." (v. 36) And when she got sick and died, the other believers sent for Peter, who was greeted by a group of widows, who were grieving Tabitha's death because of how faithfully she had ministered to them.

In response, Peter sent them out of the room...prayed to the Lord...and  turned to the lifeless body and said, "Tabitha, get up." (v. 40) All of which happens to be almost exactly what Jesus did when he raised a girl to life during his earthly ministry (see Mark 5:37-42). 

And then, when Tabitha was restored to life, Peter presented her to the other believers (especially the widows she had served). And word of this miracle rushed through the town, "and many people believed in the Lord." (v. 42)

You see, I think part of the Lord's plan was for people to come to know him...because of disciples who are living like him...and who are particularly conformed to his image in the way they minister to those who are most in need.

All of which begs the follow up question: What's going to be most important for us today? 

May our love for the vulnerable...and our commitment to doing what Jesus would do...lead others to trust in him. Amen.