Used Of The Lord Series

“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.