“Used Of The Lord”
Acts 9:32-43
I wonder how many have a testimony of a time when the Lord said “Go” and you did as directed?
I have been amazed at the times the Lord has directed in my life, a trip or even a visit the Lord directed, and I had no idea what the purpose was until we arrived and just made ourselves available.
In our passage today we have read about Peter and he is on a short journey that the Lord used in a great way.
As I often look for lessons for myself while reading I am interested in the obedience of Peter.
I. Made Available
Acts 9:32 “And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.”
(Look at a map and point out the journey that Peter was on.)
We see Peter as the lead pastor of Jerusalem and yet we see that Peter traveled away from Jerusalem and was used in a great way.
We have no narration as to why Peter was on this journey, only that he met up with other believers in Lydda.
Simple thought - One cannot be used if they are not available.
II. Made Attentive
Acts 9:33-34 “And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.”
Peter found a certain man - I cannot say for anyone else, but for me, I cannot find unless I am looking.
I had the privilege to speak to a person the other day who just spoke boldly of his past and the mess he had made of his life.
I could have passed by with … “I will pray for you” moment, but since I was praying for an opportunity to testify of the Lord I stopped and had a conversation with him.
That is - finding a man!
When was the last time you looked for an opportunity to be a testimony for Christ?
III. Made Abroad
Acts 9:35 “And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.”
All - each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything
Peter used this time to speak the truth of the Gospel in words and deeds and the result caused a wave of salvation throughout the area.
IV. Made Aware
Acts 9:36-39 “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 “Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.”
Disciple - a learner, pupil,
I love this word because for those who know the Lord as Saviour, we will never stop learning.
She was filled with “good works” – she was occupied with serving the Lord by serving others.
Almsdeeds - mercy, pity (exhibited in giving to charity)
Root = Mercy: kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them
Acts 9:39 “Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.”
I cannot imagine that Peter was kept from the truth as to why he was asked to go to Joppa.
22 Kilometers or 13.6 miles.
A quick walk could be there in 3 - 3½ hours.
Her testimony was from others who showed the work and gifts that was given.
VI. Made Alive
Acts 9:40-41 “But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.”
I see a deep time of prayer is not in the public but in the time alone with God.
I am sure there are many who would want this to be repeated even today.
A loved one has passed and all we want is for them to be with us again.
I cannot say that this is a one and done miracle but I do know that resting in the Lord and His will is better than going through a loss with no hope.
Story:
I was told of a time when Percy Ray in Myrtle Ms. was called to the new Tabernacle being built and that a man had fallen from the rafters forty to fifty feet high. Percy ran over to the man who was not breathing and fell upon the man and prayed. After a short time he lifted himself off the man and the man sat up. Sore the next day but alive.
I’m just saying that in the hand of God anything can be accomplished in and through prayer.
VII. Made Alert
Acts 9:42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Our history records times of Spiritual Awakening when God moves and many come to realize salvation is free because of the great price paid for through Jesus Christ.
The Lord will not be made known unless we are willing to make Him known.
Our last observation is a simple statement but with a great lesson.
VIII. Made Abide
Acts 9:43 “And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.”
Tarried - not to depart
This may seem to be a little odd but I believe that Peter spent some time in fellowship and rest with others of like faith.
I can say in a personal way that there comes a time in ministry that there needs to be a time of rest.
Do not misunderstand laziness from leisure.
Laziness is doing nothing and expecting something
Leisure is rest after accomplishing something to rejuvenate the body.
Even Jesus took time to rest after large assemblies had been sent away.
Conclusion:
Making one’s self available is a great place for the Lord to use you.
Seeing the needs of others can be a time to serve for the Glory of God alone. No personal praise just a servant.
Rest is important in all our lives and should not be ignored.
Dr. Tim Gilliam said once; “Burn out or rust out ends in the same way; you’re OUT.”
We need not burn out because we do with no rest we need, nor should we rust out because of inactivates.
Serve the LORD with His strength and the Holy Spirit that leads.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Let’s pray
