1 00:00:00,300 --> 00:00:03,279 Speaker 1: He is the one you praise. He is your God, 2 00:00:04,120 --> 00:00:07,870 Speaker 1: who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you 3 00:00:07,970 --> 00:00:14,390 Speaker 1: saw with your own eyes. Deuteronomy 10.21 Almighty God, we 4 00:00:14,470 --> 00:00:18,860 Speaker 1: come before you in awe, praising your holy name for 5 00:00:18,880 --> 00:00:22,259 Speaker 1: your wonders you have done. You are the one we praise, 6 00:00:23,180 --> 00:00:26,800 Speaker 1: the one who has performed great and mighty works that 7 00:00:26,940 --> 00:00:31,790 Speaker 1: fill us with amazement. Thank you for your creation, your miracles, 8 00:00:32,909 --> 00:00:36,610 Speaker 1: and your steadfast love. We ask that you renew a 9 00:00:36,670 --> 00:00:40,010 Speaker 1: deep sense of awe at your mighty works in us. 10 00:00:40,990 --> 00:00:43,600 Speaker 1: Open our eyes to see your hand in every part 11 00:00:43,620 --> 00:00:48,040 Speaker 1: of our lives and fill our hearts with reverence for 12 00:00:48,080 --> 00:00:52,419 Speaker 1: your power and majesty. Help us to never take your 13 00:00:52,460 --> 00:00:56,550 Speaker 1: wonders for granted, but to continually lift up our voices 14 00:00:57,010 --> 00:01:02,800 Speaker 1: in praise and gratitude. for all that you are. In Jesus' 15 00:01:02,880 --> 00:01:03,740 Speaker 1: name we pray. 16 00:01:04,440 --> 00:01:04,720 Speaker 2: Amen. 17 00:01:06,240 --> 00:01:09,280 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 18 00:01:09,319 --> 00:01:15,140 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast, dramatic stories inspired by the Bible. Remain 19 00:01:15,200 --> 00:01:18,890 Speaker 1: here for another story from our mini-series on the birth 20 00:01:18,940 --> 00:01:23,470 Speaker 1: of the church. The room was covered in dense darkness, 21 00:01:24,150 --> 00:01:27,250 Speaker 1: but not for a lack of light. Several men and 22 00:01:27,350 --> 00:01:31,880 Speaker 1: women were scattered around the room. Weeping, despite their best 23 00:01:31,970 --> 00:01:36,340 Speaker 1: efforts to control themselves, their broken spirits allowed their emotions 24 00:01:36,640 --> 00:01:40,520 Speaker 1: to seep out. They knew their friend, who lay on 25 00:01:40,560 --> 00:01:44,300 Speaker 1: the bed in a spiraling illness, deserved a sign of 26 00:01:44,400 --> 00:01:48,280 Speaker 1: strength to help her find her own. But in a 27 00:01:48,340 --> 00:01:52,540 Speaker 1: display of irony, she seemed to be the one comforting them. 28 00:01:55,140 --> 00:02:00,890 Speaker 2: My beloved friends, weep not for me. I know where 29 00:02:01,050 --> 00:02:05,450 Speaker 2: I am headed. Really, you should all be jealous of me, 30 00:02:06,210 --> 00:02:09,660 Speaker 2: for I will know the grandness of heaven before you all. 31 00:02:14,240 --> 00:02:18,280 Speaker 1: Her friends laughed through the breaks in their tears. Dorcas 32 00:02:18,340 --> 00:02:22,200 Speaker 1: was always caring for others, but none could have imagined 33 00:02:22,340 --> 00:02:26,810 Speaker 1: this selflessness. would be just as strong on her deathbed. 34 00:02:27,970 --> 00:02:32,690 Speaker 2: But I do have one request for you all before.... 35 00:02:34,400 --> 00:02:38,140 Speaker 1: Her words trailed off. Her friends had discouraged her from 36 00:02:38,260 --> 00:02:41,980 Speaker 1: talking of her fate with such fatalism. But she knew 37 00:02:42,080 --> 00:02:45,650 Speaker 1: her body best, and had accepted her illness would soon 38 00:02:45,770 --> 00:02:51,750 Speaker 1: consume her entirely. But her hope remained strong. Her trust 39 00:02:51,810 --> 00:02:55,270 Speaker 1: in the Lord had ensured that She had no fear 40 00:02:55,510 --> 00:02:59,900 Speaker 1: in life, and she was determined to keep that resolute 41 00:03:00,020 --> 00:03:05,239 Speaker 1: spirit even into death. A young man beside the bed responded. 42 00:03:05,840 --> 00:03:06,740 Speaker 3: Anything, Tabitha. 43 00:03:07,400 --> 00:03:11,000 Speaker 1: Whatever you ask. Tavi addressed her by her Aramaic name. 44 00:03:12,010 --> 00:03:14,829 Speaker 1: Tavi had met her when he was a child, following 45 00:03:14,870 --> 00:03:18,550 Speaker 1: the death of his parents. Dorcas had welcomed him into 46 00:03:18,590 --> 00:03:21,910 Speaker 1: her home. He had not only grown to care for her, 47 00:03:22,750 --> 00:03:27,730 Speaker 1: but saw her as family. Tavi was intent on repaying 48 00:03:27,810 --> 00:03:29,899 Speaker 1: her kindness any way he could. 49 00:03:30,660 --> 00:03:35,740 Speaker 2: Please remain in the faith. I know this hasn't been 50 00:03:36,060 --> 00:03:41,030 Speaker 2: easy on any of you, but the Lord will provide 51 00:03:42,470 --> 00:03:45,930 Speaker 2: for everyone. Trust in him. 52 00:03:46,870 --> 00:03:50,700 Speaker 1: Dorcas shared her wishes through labored breaths. When she finished, 53 00:03:50,720 --> 00:03:53,660 Speaker 1: she dropped her head back onto her pillow, where she 54 00:03:53,720 --> 00:03:56,180 Speaker 1: closed her eyes for the final time. 55 00:03:58,560 --> 00:04:02,520 Speaker 4: Today, we're learning about the seamstress who stitched a community together. 56 00:04:02,840 --> 00:04:05,560 Speaker 4: Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. We've been taking the better 57 00:04:05,600 --> 00:04:07,940 Speaker 4: part of this month to go through the birth of 58 00:04:07,980 --> 00:04:10,480 Speaker 4: the church. These early stories in the book of Acts 59 00:04:10,520 --> 00:04:15,980 Speaker 4: that showcase Christ's strength through imperfect people. Today, we're diving 60 00:04:16,020 --> 00:04:20,200 Speaker 4: into a story from Acts 9, 36-43. that's got everything. 61 00:04:20,260 --> 00:04:25,099 Speaker 4: It's got drama, miracles, and fashion. Yes, I said it, fashion. Oh, 62 00:04:25,130 --> 00:04:28,310 Speaker 4: and I forgot to mention, this story also showcases the 63 00:04:28,470 --> 00:04:32,130 Speaker 4: lamest name in all of scripture, Dorcas. 64 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:38,520 Speaker 1: The winter morning's chill was burning away as the sun 65 00:04:38,620 --> 00:04:42,900 Speaker 1: climbed over the snowy mountains in the distance. Spring was approaching, 66 00:04:43,480 --> 00:04:47,400 Speaker 1: and with it, new life. For the first time in weeks, 67 00:04:47,890 --> 00:04:51,450 Speaker 1: Peter saw birds take flight before the sun on a 68 00:04:51,490 --> 00:04:55,250 Speaker 1: new search for twigs to brace their nests. If he 69 00:04:55,290 --> 00:04:58,549 Speaker 1: were quiet enough, he could catch sight of the peaks 70 00:04:58,650 --> 00:05:03,360 Speaker 1: of gazelle horns darting over the brittle gray underbrush. Peter 71 00:05:03,420 --> 00:05:08,820 Speaker 1: admired the Lord's beautiful creation and its captivating wonder. This 72 00:05:08,960 --> 00:05:14,539 Speaker 1: glorious handiwork was all being sustained by the Creator. Peter 73 00:05:14,600 --> 00:05:18,340 Speaker 1: pondered on his own place in it all. Recently, the 74 00:05:18,380 --> 00:05:22,219 Speaker 1: Pharisee Saul had swung from becoming the church's greatest threat 75 00:05:22,680 --> 00:05:27,300 Speaker 1: to boldly speaking on the Lord's behalf throughout Jerusalem. It 76 00:05:27,400 --> 00:05:31,169 Speaker 1: also made Peter realize how small the world really was 77 00:05:31,890 --> 00:05:36,030 Speaker 1: compared to the sovereignty of God, who held the expanse 78 00:05:36,089 --> 00:05:39,550 Speaker 1: of the heavens and earth in the span of his hand. 79 00:05:40,410 --> 00:05:43,700 Speaker 1: Peter continued to marvel at the Lord's power as he walked. 80 00:05:44,400 --> 00:05:47,850 Speaker 1: He had found that traveling throughout the country had given 81 00:05:47,870 --> 00:05:51,830 Speaker 1: him much more time to work through his thoughts, a 82 00:05:51,890 --> 00:05:55,659 Speaker 1: necessary practice he had found to keep his mind focused 83 00:05:55,760 --> 00:05:59,540 Speaker 1: on the Lord and his mission. And while Jerusalem had 84 00:05:59,600 --> 00:06:03,080 Speaker 1: become his second home, he had welcomed the chance to 85 00:06:03,120 --> 00:06:08,660 Speaker 1: visit believers in other cities. Today, his sights were set 86 00:06:08,720 --> 00:06:12,000 Speaker 1: on the people of Lydda. It was midday by the 87 00:06:12,040 --> 00:06:15,100 Speaker 1: time Peter made his way past the first few homes 88 00:06:15,180 --> 00:06:18,280 Speaker 1: that sat on the town's borders. He was aware of 89 00:06:18,320 --> 00:06:21,380 Speaker 1: the presence of other disciples in the city and was 90 00:06:21,440 --> 00:06:25,820 Speaker 1: determined to meet them first. However, as they often did 91 00:06:25,920 --> 00:06:30,770 Speaker 1: when following the Spirit, Peter's plans quickly changed when he 92 00:06:30,850 --> 00:06:33,530 Speaker 1: noticed someone curled up on the side of the road. 93 00:06:34,670 --> 00:06:38,050 Speaker 1: On a beaten-up mat lay a man who looked a 94 00:06:38,089 --> 00:06:41,710 Speaker 1: fair bit younger than Peter. From the frayed edges of 95 00:06:41,770 --> 00:06:44,820 Speaker 1: his blanket, he could only assume that he had been 96 00:06:44,880 --> 00:06:49,030 Speaker 1: there for quite some time. Peter turned and approached the man. 97 00:06:49,950 --> 00:06:53,730 Speaker 1: The apostle had expected him to introduce himself, or at 98 00:06:53,770 --> 00:06:57,380 Speaker 1: the very least ask for money. But it was evident 99 00:06:57,420 --> 00:07:01,500 Speaker 1: that the coldness of both winter and years without the 100 00:07:01,620 --> 00:07:04,560 Speaker 1: use of his legs had drained the man of his 101 00:07:04,640 --> 00:07:09,460 Speaker 1: last bits of energy. Instead, the man simply watched Peter 102 00:07:10,190 --> 00:07:14,250 Speaker 1: without so much as a nod. The man's name was Anais. 103 00:07:14,870 --> 00:07:17,890 Speaker 1: He had been raised as a stonemason, with dreams of 104 00:07:17,970 --> 00:07:22,690 Speaker 1: constructing grand palaces for kings and noblemen. But he had 105 00:07:22,730 --> 00:07:26,070 Speaker 1: lost the use of his legs eight years ago, when 106 00:07:26,110 --> 00:07:27,970 Speaker 1: he had fallen from the top of a house he 107 00:07:28,010 --> 00:07:31,840 Speaker 1: was building. The accident had left him with no hope 108 00:07:32,180 --> 00:07:36,040 Speaker 1: for a life outside of the confines of his personal prison. 109 00:07:36,840 --> 00:07:41,220 Speaker 1: He refused to complain about his unfortunate circumstances, but the 110 00:07:41,260 --> 00:07:45,280 Speaker 1: years had taken a toll on his morale. No longer 111 00:07:45,360 --> 00:07:49,540 Speaker 1: able to feign happiness at passersby, he had resigned himself 112 00:07:50,000 --> 00:07:54,300 Speaker 1: to complacency. Peter's heart was swept over with compassion and 113 00:07:54,360 --> 00:07:57,710 Speaker 1: empathy for the poor fellow. Though Peter had been blessed 114 00:07:57,770 --> 00:08:00,370 Speaker 1: with health, he knew what it was like to be 115 00:08:00,410 --> 00:08:02,510 Speaker 1: at the end of your rope in need of a 116 00:08:02,550 --> 00:08:02,970 Speaker 1: hand up. 117 00:08:03,850 --> 00:08:07,590 Speaker 5: Shalom. Would you mind if I took a seat here 118 00:08:08,210 --> 00:08:08,989 Speaker 5: while I rested? 119 00:08:10,270 --> 00:08:14,090 Speaker 1: Aeneas grunted and shrugged his shoulders. He had occasionally had 120 00:08:14,170 --> 00:08:18,630 Speaker 1: travelers who would come and offer him empty platitudes, alongside 121 00:08:18,670 --> 00:08:21,550 Speaker 1: a few coins if they could spare any, and was 122 00:08:21,630 --> 00:08:27,130 Speaker 1: bracing himself for another such interaction. Peter gently sat at Aeneas' feet. 123 00:08:27,830 --> 00:08:30,170 Speaker 1: He knew the hardened shell was only a means of 124 00:08:30,250 --> 00:08:33,510 Speaker 1: protection for the young man. He gingerly tried to make 125 00:08:33,550 --> 00:08:37,500 Speaker 1: a connection with him. Young man, what is your name? 126 00:08:37,520 --> 00:08:42,069 Speaker 1: Aeneas gave the stranger a sideways glance. It had been 127 00:08:42,110 --> 00:08:45,190 Speaker 1: longer than he could remember since someone asked him his name. 128 00:08:46,030 --> 00:08:48,929 Speaker 1: He swapped in a feeble attempt to wet his dry throat. 129 00:08:49,929 --> 00:08:51,410 Speaker 3: Ah, Aeneas. 130 00:08:52,130 --> 00:08:55,770 Speaker 5: A pleasure to meet you, Aeneas. My name is Peter. 131 00:08:56,429 --> 00:09:00,540 Speaker 1: Aeneas pretended to care, but deep down he was hoping 132 00:09:00,580 --> 00:09:02,980 Speaker 1: he wouldn't have to talk for long so he could 133 00:09:03,020 --> 00:09:04,260 Speaker 1: get back to trying to sleep. 134 00:09:04,720 --> 00:09:08,220 Speaker 5: Tell me, Aeneas, I imagine that life out in the 135 00:09:08,260 --> 00:09:12,060 Speaker 5: cold doesn't suit a young man like yourself. Would you 136 00:09:12,100 --> 00:09:12,819 Speaker 5: like to be healed? 137 00:09:13,300 --> 00:09:17,079 Speaker 1: Anais was offended at Peter's directness. He was insulted at 138 00:09:17,140 --> 00:09:20,120 Speaker 1: such a question and would have had to restrain himself 139 00:09:20,179 --> 00:09:22,849 Speaker 1: from striking the stranger if he had had the strength 140 00:09:22,890 --> 00:09:26,550 Speaker 1: to move. He did his best to remain respectful, though 141 00:09:26,590 --> 00:09:28,490 Speaker 1: did so through gritted teeth. 142 00:09:28,950 --> 00:09:33,150 Speaker 3: I would very much like to be healed, but doctors, priests, 143 00:09:33,250 --> 00:09:36,929 Speaker 3: and healers have all tried. They say there's nothing that 144 00:09:36,970 --> 00:09:37,569 Speaker 3: can be done. 145 00:09:38,210 --> 00:09:40,910 Speaker 1: Peter grinned and caught Anais fully off guard. 146 00:09:41,809 --> 00:09:44,430 Speaker 5: I believe I know a physician you haven't seen before, 147 00:09:45,170 --> 00:09:46,420 Speaker 5: though you may have heard of him. 148 00:09:47,020 --> 00:09:50,920 Speaker 3: I've seen every doctor I could afford from here to Caesarea. 149 00:09:51,760 --> 00:09:53,920 Speaker 3: If he's any good, I think I would have heard 150 00:09:53,940 --> 00:09:54,160 Speaker 3: of him. 151 00:09:54,750 --> 00:09:58,150 Speaker 5: The physician I speak of comes from somewhere a bit 152 00:09:58,230 --> 00:10:01,660 Speaker 5: farther than the roads you and I have. traveled and 153 00:10:01,679 --> 00:10:06,500 Speaker 5: yes I speak of Jesus Christ it is he who heals. 154 00:10:06,260 --> 00:10:10,479 Speaker 1: You Anais was confused at Peter's language he spoke as 155 00:10:10,559 --> 00:10:14,300 Speaker 1: though this physician had already healed him he was about 156 00:10:14,340 --> 00:10:17,220 Speaker 1: to retort the claim when he was distracted by his 157 00:10:17,280 --> 00:10:22,150 Speaker 1: blankets At first, he hadn't realized it, but Anais could 158 00:10:22,250 --> 00:10:26,070 Speaker 1: feel the slight pressure caused by Peter sitting on the 159 00:10:26,130 --> 00:10:29,790 Speaker 1: end of his mat. He wiggled his toes and let 160 00:10:29,880 --> 00:10:33,060 Speaker 1: out a jovial laugh. He quickly looked up at Peter, 161 00:10:33,679 --> 00:10:36,540 Speaker 1: his jaw dropping into a wide smile. 162 00:10:37,160 --> 00:10:40,340 Speaker 5: Now come, get up and roll up your mat. You 163 00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:41,740 Speaker 5: won't be needing it any longer. 164 00:10:45,090 --> 00:10:49,080 Speaker 1: Whales rang out from Dorcas' room. as Tabby held her 165 00:10:49,220 --> 00:10:53,500 Speaker 1: lifeless hand in his. He refused to believe she was gone, 166 00:10:54,160 --> 00:10:58,640 Speaker 1: and was dumbstruck by how quickly life could leave a person. 167 00:10:59,059 --> 00:11:01,640 Speaker 1: He looked upon the body of his friend, but the 168 00:11:01,700 --> 00:11:05,820 Speaker 1: spirit that made her who she was had departed. He 169 00:11:05,900 --> 00:11:09,420 Speaker 1: allowed himself to break down into tears. He looked around 170 00:11:09,450 --> 00:11:12,550 Speaker 1: the room for some sort of comfort, but found none. 171 00:11:13,530 --> 00:11:17,660 Speaker 1: Heartbreak was eating away at his companion's as fast as 172 00:11:17,720 --> 00:11:20,829 Speaker 1: it was eating away at him. He wiped his face 173 00:11:21,520 --> 00:11:22,570 Speaker 1: and found his composure. 174 00:11:23,150 --> 00:11:24,050 Speaker 3: I won't accept it. 175 00:11:24,710 --> 00:11:25,189 Speaker 1: I can't. 176 00:11:25,850 --> 00:11:31,950 Speaker 5: Tavi, you must. There is nothing anyone can do. She's gone. 177 00:11:32,550 --> 00:11:36,460 Speaker 1: Tavi wouldn't allow himself to fall into the pit of despair. 178 00:11:37,160 --> 00:11:40,160 Speaker 1: He stared at the blank wall when a light went 179 00:11:40,200 --> 00:11:40,820 Speaker 1: off in his head. 180 00:11:41,280 --> 00:11:44,820 Speaker 3: There's nothing we can do, but there is one who can. 181 00:11:45,700 --> 00:11:49,050 Speaker 3: I've heard word that the Apostle Peter is near. I 182 00:11:50,030 --> 00:11:52,770 Speaker 3: must go to him at once. If there is anyone 183 00:11:52,790 --> 00:11:56,150 Speaker 3: who can help, it's him. Even if just to help 184 00:11:56,210 --> 00:11:57,470 Speaker 3: our people grieve our loss. 185 00:11:58,410 --> 00:12:02,429 Speaker 1: Even though Dorcas was gone, there wasn't a minute to waste. 186 00:12:03,000 --> 00:12:07,120 Speaker 1: He had promised Dorcas he wouldn't lose faith. He trusted 187 00:12:07,179 --> 00:12:10,620 Speaker 1: that God would provide for her needs. Tavi jumped to 188 00:12:10,660 --> 00:12:13,020 Speaker 1: his feet and ran to the door for his cloak. 189 00:12:13,660 --> 00:12:15,720 Speaker 1: He knew if he was quick, he could make the 190 00:12:15,760 --> 00:12:21,790 Speaker 1: journey by nightfall. Peter spent the afternoon with Anais, teaching 191 00:12:21,850 --> 00:12:26,050 Speaker 1: him about the great physician. Those who recognized the once 192 00:12:26,130 --> 00:12:30,540 Speaker 1: lame man joined in their conversations. Soon many in the 193 00:12:30,559 --> 00:12:34,920 Speaker 1: city had believed in Jesus. Peter knew that this was 194 00:12:35,200 --> 00:12:38,319 Speaker 1: only the beginning. By the late afternoon he had made 195 00:12:38,380 --> 00:12:41,500 Speaker 1: his way through Lyda and found the house of one 196 00:12:41,520 --> 00:12:45,410 Speaker 1: of the believers and knocked. The door swung open suddenly, 197 00:12:46,070 --> 00:12:49,429 Speaker 1: nearly hitting Peter in the face. He stood nearly a 198 00:12:49,500 --> 00:12:52,800 Speaker 1: head above the elderly woman, who opened the door to 199 00:12:52,840 --> 00:12:53,200 Speaker 1: greet him. 200 00:12:54,640 --> 00:12:59,580 Speaker 2: Oh, you must be the Apostle Peter. I'm so glad 201 00:12:59,640 --> 00:13:04,340 Speaker 2: you found the house. My name is Ayla. I was 202 00:13:04,420 --> 00:13:08,320 Speaker 2: told you would be here this afternoon, but your arrival 203 00:13:08,420 --> 00:13:14,600 Speaker 2: is celebrated nonetheless. Oh, please, come in and rest. Eat 204 00:13:14,660 --> 00:13:18,360 Speaker 2: some food before we get started. Can I get you 205 00:13:18,400 --> 00:13:20,959 Speaker 2: a drink? Take your bag for you. 206 00:13:21,880 --> 00:13:25,840 Speaker 1: Peter was alarmed at Isla's agile mind. Despite her rage, 207 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:30,220 Speaker 1: she jumped from thought to thought with apparent ease. She 208 00:13:30,300 --> 00:13:34,210 Speaker 1: scampered into the house. Peter assumed that was her way 209 00:13:34,450 --> 00:13:37,150 Speaker 1: of inviting him in. She ran off to the kitchen 210 00:13:37,490 --> 00:13:41,150 Speaker 1: and promptly returned with dishes stacked high upon her arms. 211 00:13:42,010 --> 00:13:45,330 Speaker 1: Peter was worried they would tumble over. but she floated 212 00:13:45,390 --> 00:13:48,850 Speaker 1: across the room and casually laid out the plates as 213 00:13:48,910 --> 00:13:52,820 Speaker 1: though she had done this countless times. Peter had mapped 214 00:13:52,900 --> 00:13:55,760 Speaker 1: out his priorities for the trip and ran over them 215 00:13:55,940 --> 00:13:59,500 Speaker 1: in his mind. The plan was to teach the believers 216 00:14:00,100 --> 00:14:03,870 Speaker 1: and help establish the necessary structure for the people to thrive. 217 00:14:04,450 --> 00:14:07,230 Speaker 1: He began to share his thoughts with Ayla. When the 218 00:14:07,270 --> 00:14:11,429 Speaker 1: two heard a fist pounding at the door, Ayla glided 219 00:14:11,450 --> 00:14:14,099 Speaker 1: through the house and opened the door. to find a 220 00:14:14,160 --> 00:14:17,120 Speaker 1: disheveled young man, clearly out of breath. 221 00:14:17,600 --> 00:14:18,300 Speaker 5: Good evening, ma'am. 222 00:14:18,980 --> 00:14:21,600 Speaker 3: I'm sorry to interrupt your evening, but I'm looking for 223 00:14:21,640 --> 00:14:22,900 Speaker 3: a man by the name of Peter. 224 00:14:23,500 --> 00:14:26,470 Speaker 1: On hearing his name, Peter slid his chair back and 225 00:14:26,550 --> 00:14:29,490 Speaker 1: stood against the wall between the kitchen and the entryway. 226 00:14:30,150 --> 00:14:32,830 Speaker 1: The young man caught sight of him and began to 227 00:14:32,870 --> 00:14:33,970 Speaker 1: address him fervently. 228 00:14:34,530 --> 00:14:38,210 Speaker 3: You must be him, the Apostle Peter. My name is Tavi. 229 00:14:38,810 --> 00:14:41,130 Speaker 3: I have come from Joppa on behalf of the believers there. 230 00:14:41,630 --> 00:14:43,070 Speaker 3: One of our very finest has.... 231 00:14:44,990 --> 00:14:47,670 Speaker 1: Tabby was choked up at saying the words for the 232 00:14:47,710 --> 00:14:52,390 Speaker 1: first time. His focus on traveling to Lyda had given 233 00:14:52,410 --> 00:14:56,360 Speaker 1: him momentary distraction from the harsh reality of home. 234 00:14:56,800 --> 00:14:59,940 Speaker 3: Please, you must come for the good of the people. 235 00:15:00,360 --> 00:15:02,840 Speaker 3: Tabitha has done more for the believers in Joppa than 236 00:15:02,860 --> 00:15:05,940 Speaker 3: the rest of us combined. Having the support of an 237 00:15:05,980 --> 00:15:09,470 Speaker 3: apostle at a time like this would surely encourage everyone. 238 00:15:10,110 --> 00:15:13,170 Speaker 1: Peter walked up and placed a fatherly hand on Tabby. 239 00:15:13,980 --> 00:15:17,180 Speaker 1: He looked at Aayla, not wanting to disappoint her and 240 00:15:17,220 --> 00:15:20,300 Speaker 1: the people of Lyda who were expecting his stay to 241 00:15:20,350 --> 00:15:25,730 Speaker 1: be longer. The elderly woman just smiled and nodded. Years 242 00:15:25,790 --> 00:15:30,050 Speaker 1: of life experience had given her a profound understanding of 243 00:15:30,110 --> 00:15:31,690 Speaker 1: its ever-changing nature. 244 00:15:33,490 --> 00:15:37,290 Speaker 2: It sounds like you're needed elsewhere for now. With the 245 00:15:37,350 --> 00:15:42,470 Speaker 2: testimony of Ines, I'm sure the believers here are far 246 00:15:42,570 --> 00:15:45,340 Speaker 2: more encouraged than they were just yesterday. 247 00:15:46,270 --> 00:15:49,960 Speaker 1: Peter directed Tavi in through the door and made plans 248 00:15:50,020 --> 00:15:54,740 Speaker 1: to leave at the first light of morning. The road 249 00:15:54,780 --> 00:15:58,400 Speaker 1: to Joppa was long, but it gave Peter ample time 250 00:15:58,480 --> 00:16:01,980 Speaker 1: to hear more of Tavi's story. Though to his surprise, 251 00:16:02,620 --> 00:16:05,680 Speaker 1: the young disciple spoke more of Dorcas than he did 252 00:16:05,720 --> 00:16:09,410 Speaker 1: of himself. There was no mistaking Tabby's endearment to the 253 00:16:09,470 --> 00:16:10,210 Speaker 1: motherly figure. 254 00:16:10,570 --> 00:16:13,870 Speaker 3: Here it is, Tabitha's house. Please come in. 255 00:16:14,470 --> 00:16:18,860 Speaker 1: Dreariness had beset the poor house. Floorboards creaked in the 256 00:16:18,910 --> 00:16:23,160 Speaker 1: silence of death's bitter sting. In only a few short days, 257 00:16:23,660 --> 00:16:27,000 Speaker 1: dust had collected on the tables and chairs, a haunting 258 00:16:27,080 --> 00:16:32,530 Speaker 1: reminder that Dorcas' constant upkeep was no longer present. Tabby 259 00:16:32,590 --> 00:16:36,740 Speaker 1: took Peter upstairs. Several of the other believers surrounded the 260 00:16:36,760 --> 00:16:42,310 Speaker 1: bed in mournful prayers. Atop the bed lay Dorcas. In 261 00:16:42,390 --> 00:16:45,750 Speaker 1: Tavi's absence, the others had washed her and covered her 262 00:16:46,150 --> 00:16:49,130 Speaker 1: in their finest cloth. When some of the grieving widows 263 00:16:49,190 --> 00:16:53,540 Speaker 1: saw Peter, they hurried over to him, clenching delicately crafted 264 00:16:53,620 --> 00:16:54,880 Speaker 1: robes in their fists. 265 00:16:56,040 --> 00:16:59,180 Speaker 2: Oh, how you would have loved her. She was always 266 00:16:59,240 --> 00:17:02,460 Speaker 2: doing something for others, even when her own dresses were 267 00:17:02,500 --> 00:17:08,070 Speaker 2: falling apart. She was weaving beautiful clothes for us. It 268 00:17:08,109 --> 00:17:12,550 Speaker 2: didn't matter, though, for she still glowed radiantly, a true 269 00:17:12,650 --> 00:17:13,609 Speaker 2: gem of our people. 270 00:17:14,390 --> 00:17:17,969 Speaker 1: Peter had been beckoned to comfort the mourning community, but 271 00:17:18,030 --> 00:17:21,430 Speaker 1: he was stirred with the feeling that Dorcas had been 272 00:17:21,510 --> 00:17:24,310 Speaker 1: taken from the people far too early. 273 00:17:24,950 --> 00:17:28,340 Speaker 5: I have no doubt that Dorcas loved you with the 274 00:17:28,390 --> 00:17:30,040 Speaker 5: love of our Lord Jesus Christ. 275 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:34,380 Speaker 1: The love of Jesus... a love that knew no bounds. 276 00:17:35,140 --> 00:17:38,939 Speaker 1: Peter had seen it on display countless times. But being 277 00:17:39,080 --> 00:17:41,940 Speaker 1: in this upper room, in the midst of the people's 278 00:17:42,000 --> 00:17:46,820 Speaker 1: heavy grief, left him thinking of one instance in particular. 279 00:17:47,560 --> 00:17:50,720 Speaker 1: At the time, Jesus had sworn Peter and the Zebedee 280 00:17:50,780 --> 00:17:54,740 Speaker 1: brothers to secrecy until after his own death. What he 281 00:17:54,780 --> 00:17:58,740 Speaker 1: was contemplating to do next was more for them than 282 00:17:58,800 --> 00:17:59,860 Speaker 1: it was for Dorcas. 283 00:18:00,600 --> 00:18:03,859 Speaker 5: If I may have the room It should only be 284 00:18:03,900 --> 00:18:04,280 Speaker 5: a moment. 285 00:18:05,040 --> 00:18:09,770 Speaker 1: In their sorrow, nobody objected to Peter's request. They slunk 286 00:18:09,850 --> 00:18:12,949 Speaker 1: from the room to the funeral march of their sobbing. 287 00:18:13,830 --> 00:18:17,570 Speaker 1: Once the door was closed behind them, Peter knelt down 288 00:18:17,750 --> 00:18:20,830 Speaker 1: at the side of Dorcas' bed. He took her hand 289 00:18:21,010 --> 00:18:25,430 Speaker 1: in his and began praying. He muttered with his eyes 290 00:18:25,570 --> 00:18:29,750 Speaker 1: shut tight as his memory drew up flashes of Jerry's house. 291 00:18:30,990 --> 00:18:35,859 Speaker 1: Though his eyes were closed, Peter envisioned Jesus kneeling beside him. 292 00:18:36,500 --> 00:18:40,980 Speaker 1: The thought invigorated the apostle. He leaned over Dorcas' body 293 00:18:41,460 --> 00:18:47,780 Speaker 1: and whispered into her ear, Tabitha, get up. Instantly, Dorcas 294 00:18:47,900 --> 00:18:52,030 Speaker 1: threw her eyes open and gasped. She tilted her head 295 00:18:52,109 --> 00:18:55,670 Speaker 1: towards Peter. Startled, she sat upright in the bed. 296 00:18:56,510 --> 00:19:00,290 Speaker 5: It's quite all right, Tabitha. My name is Peter. Here, 297 00:19:00,710 --> 00:19:03,180 Speaker 5: let me help you up. Careful now. 298 00:19:03,760 --> 00:19:06,900 Speaker 1: Peter held Tabitha to her feet. She felt as though 299 00:19:07,010 --> 00:19:10,750 Speaker 1: she had just awoken from the most pleasant sleep, full 300 00:19:10,790 --> 00:19:14,409 Speaker 1: of dreams that were quickly fading from her memory. She 301 00:19:14,470 --> 00:19:15,890 Speaker 1: took note of the empty room. 302 00:19:16,590 --> 00:19:20,750 Speaker 5: Not to worry. Everyone is waiting just downstairs for you. 303 00:19:21,710 --> 00:19:22,550 Speaker 5: Let me call them. 304 00:19:23,210 --> 00:19:26,990 Speaker 1: Peter stepped toward the stairway as Tabitha tried to piece 305 00:19:27,030 --> 00:19:30,530 Speaker 1: together what had happened. The last thing she could recall 306 00:19:30,550 --> 00:19:34,770 Speaker 1: was encouraging Tabby and the others. She could only guess 307 00:19:34,810 --> 00:19:38,119 Speaker 1: at how much time had passed since. She heard the 308 00:19:38,180 --> 00:19:42,160 Speaker 1: sound of racing footsteps stomping up the stairs. Tabby's face 309 00:19:42,280 --> 00:19:45,530 Speaker 1: beamed at the sight of Dorcas. He was followed by 310 00:19:45,570 --> 00:19:49,909 Speaker 1: the others, whose tears of mourning had turned into tears 311 00:19:49,930 --> 00:19:41,830 Speaker 1: of Peter was the last to walk back in. He 312 00:19:41,890 --> 00:19:44,850 Speaker 1: watched contentedly from the corner of the room as friends 313 00:19:44,930 --> 00:19:49,330 Speaker 1: embraced one another. Life was pulsing through the house once more. 314 00:19:49,530 --> 00:19:52,169 Speaker 1: The Spirit of God had fed their weary souls, and 315 00:19:52,190 --> 00:20:10,820 Speaker 1: by the look on Dorcas' face, Peter knew just what 316 00:20:10,920 --> 00:20:12,500 Speaker 1: needed to happen next. 317 00:20:13,320 --> 00:20:15,860 Speaker 5: Tavi, please get our Tabitha something to eat. 318 00:20:19,680 --> 00:20:23,200 Speaker 4: All right, so let's talk about Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. 319 00:20:23,560 --> 00:20:26,159 Speaker 4: And I can't not smile when I hear that name. Now, 320 00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:28,979 Speaker 4: if you're like me, immature and like a junior hire, 321 00:20:29,180 --> 00:20:32,200 Speaker 4: you were thinking, who names their kid Dorcas? But before 322 00:20:32,240 --> 00:20:35,350 Speaker 4: we judge her parents, let's remember that Dorcas means gazelle, 323 00:20:35,550 --> 00:20:38,300 Speaker 4: a creature known for its grace and its beauty. So 324 00:20:38,460 --> 00:20:42,610 Speaker 4: picture our sister Tabitha as an embodiment of elegance and kindness. 325 00:20:43,350 --> 00:20:45,710 Speaker 4: Tabitha was the kind of woman who didn't just talk 326 00:20:45,750 --> 00:20:48,389 Speaker 4: about love. She wore it on her sleeve and stitched 327 00:20:48,430 --> 00:20:51,040 Speaker 4: it into every garment she made. She was full of 328 00:20:51,060 --> 00:20:53,760 Speaker 4: good works and charitable deeds in everything that she did. 329 00:20:54,460 --> 00:20:57,600 Speaker 4: Notice that the scripture doesn't say which she intended to 330 00:20:57,640 --> 00:21:00,780 Speaker 4: do or which she felt inspired about. No, she put 331 00:21:00,800 --> 00:21:03,350 Speaker 4: her faith into action needle by needle, thread by thread. 332 00:21:04,010 --> 00:21:07,430 Speaker 4: When she fell ill and died, the community was devastated. 333 00:21:07,960 --> 00:21:11,300 Speaker 4: The widows, those often overlooked and marginalized, stood around Peter 334 00:21:11,380 --> 00:21:14,480 Speaker 4: weeping and showing off the tunics and garments Dorcas had made. 335 00:21:15,060 --> 00:21:18,200 Speaker 4: It was a divine fashion show with a message. This 336 00:21:18,400 --> 00:21:21,760 Speaker 4: is what love looks like. And I want that for 337 00:21:21,800 --> 00:21:25,080 Speaker 4: my funeral. I want that when my final breaths are made. 338 00:21:25,220 --> 00:21:27,400 Speaker 4: I want everyone in my life to have a tangible 339 00:21:27,440 --> 00:21:30,480 Speaker 4: example of how I loved the community, how I loved 340 00:21:30,580 --> 00:21:34,020 Speaker 4: them and affected their lives. And because these people love her, 341 00:21:34,320 --> 00:21:38,190 Speaker 4: they sent for Peter, who's nearby in Lyda. Peter arrives 342 00:21:38,310 --> 00:21:41,709 Speaker 4: and is greeted by this emotional display. Now, Peter could 343 00:21:41,730 --> 00:21:45,609 Speaker 4: have easily been overwhelmed or even skeptical, but instead, he 344 00:21:45,650 --> 00:21:49,000 Speaker 4: takes a page out of Jesus' playbook. He asks everyone 345 00:21:49,020 --> 00:21:51,600 Speaker 4: to leave the room, perhaps to avoid any distractions or 346 00:21:51,619 --> 00:21:54,979 Speaker 4: to create an intimate space for God's work. Then, Peter prays. 347 00:21:55,400 --> 00:21:57,800 Speaker 4: He doesn't launch into a grand speech or perform a 348 00:21:57,840 --> 00:22:03,510 Speaker 4: theatrical ritual. He simply turns to the body and says,' Tabitha, arise,' 349 00:22:03,770 --> 00:22:06,940 Speaker 4: and she opens her eyes. Imagine that moment. One minute 350 00:22:06,960 --> 00:22:09,369 Speaker 4: the room is filled with sorrow, the next it's overflowing 351 00:22:09,410 --> 00:22:13,649 Speaker 4: with astonished joy. Peter presents her alive to the saints 352 00:22:13,730 --> 00:22:16,350 Speaker 4: and the widows, and the news spreads faster than any 353 00:22:16,410 --> 00:22:20,170 Speaker 4: rumor on social media. Many believed in the Lord because 354 00:22:20,410 --> 00:22:23,250 Speaker 4: of this miracle. So what can we learn from this 355 00:22:23,290 --> 00:22:26,780 Speaker 4: incredible story? First, Tabitha shows us the impact of a 356 00:22:26,859 --> 00:22:30,419 Speaker 4: life lived in service. She didn't perform grand miracles or 357 00:22:30,540 --> 00:22:33,500 Speaker 4: deliver stirring sermons. She used the gifts that she had, 358 00:22:33,760 --> 00:22:37,020 Speaker 4: her sewing skills, to bless others. Sometimes the most profound 359 00:22:37,060 --> 00:22:39,740 Speaker 4: ministry happens not on the pulpit or not on the 360 00:22:39,780 --> 00:22:42,459 Speaker 4: big screens, but in the everyday acts of kindness that 361 00:22:42,500 --> 00:22:45,660 Speaker 4: we offer to one another, using the skills that we 362 00:22:45,700 --> 00:22:48,500 Speaker 4: have available to us and the resources, as little or 363 00:22:48,560 --> 00:22:52,350 Speaker 4: as great as they are, to simply bless other people. Second, 364 00:22:52,440 --> 00:22:54,830 Speaker 4: Peter's actions remind us of the power of prayer and 365 00:22:54,850 --> 00:22:58,230 Speaker 4: the importance of following Jesus' example. He didn't rely on 366 00:22:58,270 --> 00:23:00,909 Speaker 4: his own strength. He didn't make this a grand spectacle 367 00:23:00,970 --> 00:23:04,369 Speaker 4: about himself. He knelt down silently in an empty room 368 00:23:04,490 --> 00:23:08,199 Speaker 4: and prayed. How often do we face overwhelming situations and 369 00:23:08,260 --> 00:23:11,379 Speaker 4: forget to see God's guidance first? How often are we 370 00:23:11,400 --> 00:23:13,879 Speaker 4: wanting to prove something to others that we're faithful or 371 00:23:13,940 --> 00:23:17,380 Speaker 4: that we're capable, and so we rob ourselves of a beautiful, 372 00:23:17,440 --> 00:23:22,480 Speaker 4: intimate moment with God and actually miss out on the miracles? Lastly, 373 00:23:22,540 --> 00:23:26,120 Speaker 4: let's not overlook where Peter stays after this miracle, with Simon, 374 00:23:26,340 --> 00:23:30,540 Speaker 4: a tanner. Now, tanners weren't exactly the most popular folks 375 00:23:30,600 --> 00:23:34,300 Speaker 4: back then. Their profession was considered unclean because they worked 376 00:23:34,340 --> 00:23:37,179 Speaker 4: with dead animals. Yet, Peter chose to lodge with him. 377 00:23:37,800 --> 00:23:40,460 Speaker 4: This is significant. It's a hint that Peter's heart is 378 00:23:40,520 --> 00:23:44,320 Speaker 4: starting to change, preparing him for the next big step 379 00:23:44,700 --> 00:23:48,050 Speaker 4: when he's going to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. 380 00:23:48,570 --> 00:23:50,650 Speaker 4: Now that's a story for next time.