In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. She was always doing good works and acts of charity. In those days she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him who begged him, Don’t delay in coming with us.” Acts 9:36-38 HCSB
A man at our church had seemingly had a heart attack and we had called 911 to secure emergency help for him. It was probably only about 10 minutes, but it seemed like the ambulance was slow in getting to the church to provide the much needed help. When it is necessary to call 911, an immediate response is expected.
Some of the disciples knew that Peter was in Joppa which was about a three hour walk from Lydda. Evidently, some of these disciples had seen the miracles that Peter had done and believed he could bring Tabitha back to life. In the Old Testament, both Elijah and Elisha raised boys to life, thus proving they were men of God. The New Testament records that Jesus raised the widow’s son, Lazarus, and Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Peter had just healed a paralyzed man and certainly the disciples believed that Peter could perform the same miracles that Jesus had done. Consequently, they begged Peter not to delay but to come quickly with the hope he could bring Tabitha back to life.
Challenge: There are times when people need our help. We may not be able to heal a paralyzed person or bring someone back to life, but we can provide a meal for a family that is grieving the loss of a loved one. We can sit with someone while their loved one is in surgery. We can express concern and compassion when a person receives bad news. We can pray with people as they struggle with the many challenges of life. Don’t delay, move quickly, and minister to those who are hurting and need to know that someone cares.