Introduction

Greetings, brothers and sisters, and welcome. Today, we gather together in the spirit of fellowship, united by our shared faith and our shared journey towards a deeper understanding of the Word of God. We are here because we yearn to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God, to be vessels of His love and grace in a world that so desperately needs it. And as we open our hearts and minds to the lessons He has for us, we find that His Word is a wellspring of wisdom, a guidebook for a life of purpose, meaning, and joy.

We turn today to the book of Acts, chapter 9, verses 36-43, where we find a compelling account of the early church in action, a narrative that is as instructive as it is inspiring. Let's read: "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, 'Please come at once!' Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, 'Tabitha, get up.' She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a man named Simon, a tanner."

Manifesting Meaningful Ministries

In the passage we read, we see an example of a woman who dedicated her life to serving others. Tabitha, or Dorcas, was known for her good deeds and acts of kindness, particularly towards the poor. She used her skills and resources to make clothes for those in need, a ministry that had a profound impact on her community. Her actions were a reflection of her faith, a tangible manifestation of God's love.

The first thing we can learn from Tabitha's example is the importance of using our gifts and talents to serve others. Each of us has been blessed with unique abilities and resources, and we are called to use these for the benefit of those around us. This doesn't mean we all need to be making clothes for the poor like Tabitha. Our ministries might look different, but they are all valuable and necessary. Some of us might be called to teach, to encourage, to provide hospitality, or to offer a listening ear. The key is to identify what we have been given and to use it in service to others.

Secondly, we see that Tabitha's ministry was not a grand, public spectacle, but a quiet, consistent demonstration of love and care. She didn't seek recognition or applause for her good deeds. Instead, she simply saw a need and did what she could to meet it. This is a powerful reminder for us in a world that often values the loud and the flashy over the quiet and the steady. Our ministries don't need to be big and impressive to be meaningful. They just need to be sincere and rooted in love.

Thirdly, we can see how this impacted those around her. When she died, the widows who had benefited from her kindness were devastated. They showed Peter the clothes she had made for them, tangible evidence of her love and care. This shows us that our ministries, no matter how small they might seem, can have a profound impact on the lives of others. We might not always see the results of our efforts, but that doesn't mean they're not making a difference. Just as Tabitha's kindness left a lasting impression on the widows, our acts of service can touch the lives of those around us in ways we might never know.

Finally, Tabitha's ministry was done in a community of believers who supported and encouraged one another. When she died, it was this community that sent for Peter, and it was this community that rejoiced when she was brought back to life. This reminds us that we are not meant to do life, or ministry, alone. We are part of the body of Christ, and we need each other. We need to encourage one another, to bear one another's burdens, and to celebrate one another's victories. Our ministries are not just about what we can do for others, but also about how we can build up and strengthen the community of believers.

Molding Moral Models

As we move forward, we find ourselves drawn to the character of Tabitha, a woman who was a model of moral virtue ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO