1 00:00:00,350 --> 00:00:03,330 Speaker 1: He is the one you praise. He is your God, 2 00:00:04,170 --> 00:00:07,890 Speaker 1: who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you 3 00:00:08,010 --> 00:00:14,440 Speaker 1: saw with your own eyes. Deuteronomy 10.21 Almighty God, we 4 00:00:14,500 --> 00:00:18,880 Speaker 1: come before you in awe, praising your holy name for 5 00:00:18,920 --> 00:00:22,299 Speaker 1: your wonders you have done. You are the one we praise, 6 00:00:23,200 --> 00:00:26,820 Speaker 1: the one who has performed great and mighty works that 7 00:00:26,980 --> 00:00:31,840 Speaker 1: fill us with amazement. Thank you for your creation, your miracles, 8 00:00:32,960 --> 00:00:36,640 Speaker 1: and your steadfast love. We ask that you renew a 9 00:00:36,700 --> 00:00:40,070 Speaker 1: deep sense of awe at your mighty works in us. 10 00:00:41,050 --> 00:00:43,630 Speaker 1: Open our eyes to see your hand in every part 11 00:00:43,670 --> 00:00:48,089 Speaker 1: of our lives and fill our hearts with reverence for 12 00:00:48,110 --> 00:00:52,449 Speaker 1: your power and majesty. Help us to never take your 13 00:00:52,490 --> 00:00:56,600 Speaker 1: wonders for granted, but to continually lift up our voices 14 00:00:57,040 --> 00:01:02,850 Speaker 1: in praise and gratitude. for all that you are. In Jesus' 15 00:01:02,910 --> 00:01:03,770 Speaker 1: name we pray. 16 00:01:04,470 --> 00:01:04,770 Speaker 2: Amen. 17 00:01:06,290 --> 00:01:09,310 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 18 00:01:09,360 --> 00:01:15,180 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast, dramatic stories inspired by the Bible. Remain 19 00:01:15,240 --> 00:01:18,920 Speaker 1: here for another story from our mini-series on the birth 20 00:01:18,980 --> 00:01:23,520 Speaker 1: of the church. The room was covered in dense darkness, 21 00:01:24,200 --> 00:01:27,300 Speaker 1: but not for a lack of light. Several men and 22 00:01:27,380 --> 00:01:31,930 Speaker 1: women were scattered around the room. Weeping, despite their best 23 00:01:32,010 --> 00:01:36,370 Speaker 1: efforts to control themselves, their broken spirits allowed their emotions 24 00:01:36,670 --> 00:01:40,580 Speaker 1: to seep out. They knew their friend, who lay on 25 00:01:40,620 --> 00:01:44,360 Speaker 1: the bed in a spiraling illness, deserved a sign of 26 00:01:44,459 --> 00:01:48,340 Speaker 1: strength to help her find her own. But in a 27 00:01:48,380 --> 00:01:52,650 Speaker 1: display of irony, she seemed to be the one comforting them. 28 00:01:55,190 --> 00:02:00,910 Speaker 2: My beloved friends, weep not for me, I know where 29 00:02:01,090 --> 00:02:05,490 Speaker 2: I am headed. Really, you should all be jealous of me, 30 00:02:06,250 --> 00:02:09,680 Speaker 2: for I will know the grandness of heaven before you all. 31 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:18,320 Speaker 1: Her friends laughed through the breaks in their tears. Dorcas 32 00:02:18,380 --> 00:02:22,220 Speaker 1: was always caring for others, but none could have imagined 33 00:02:22,360 --> 00:02:26,820 Speaker 1: this selflessness would be just as strong on her deathbed. 34 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:32,630 Speaker 2: But I do have one request for you all before.... 35 00:02:34,440 --> 00:02:38,180 Speaker 1: Her words trailed off. Her friends had discouraged her from 36 00:02:38,280 --> 00:02:42,020 Speaker 1: talking of her fate with such fatalism. But she knew 37 00:02:42,100 --> 00:02:45,680 Speaker 1: her body best and had accepted her illness would soon 38 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:51,780 Speaker 1: consume her entirely. But her hope remained strong. Her trust 39 00:02:51,840 --> 00:02:55,340 Speaker 1: in the Lord had ensured that she had no fear 40 00:02:55,560 --> 00:02:59,940 Speaker 1: in life. And she was determined to keep that resolute 41 00:03:00,040 --> 00:03:05,280 Speaker 1: spirit even into death. A young man beside the bed responded. 42 00:03:05,880 --> 00:03:06,760 Speaker 3: Anything, Tabitha. 43 00:03:07,440 --> 00:03:11,040 Speaker 1: Whatever you ask. Tavi addressed her by her Aramaic name. 44 00:03:12,020 --> 00:03:14,859 Speaker 1: Tavi had met her when he was a child, following 45 00:03:14,900 --> 00:03:18,579 Speaker 1: the death of his parents. Dorcas had welcomed him into 46 00:03:18,620 --> 00:03:21,960 Speaker 1: her home. He had not only grown to care for her, 47 00:03:22,780 --> 00:03:27,770 Speaker 1: but saw her as family. Tavi was intent on repaying 48 00:03:27,850 --> 00:03:29,929 Speaker 1: her kindness any way he could. 49 00:03:30,690 --> 00:03:35,770 Speaker 2: Please remain in the faith. I know this hasn't been 50 00:03:36,090 --> 00:03:41,060 Speaker 2: easy on any of you, but the Lord will provide 51 00:03:42,500 --> 00:03:45,940 Speaker 2: for everyone. Trust in him. 52 00:03:46,900 --> 00:03:50,720 Speaker 1: Dorcas shared her wishes through labored breaths. When she finished, 53 00:03:50,760 --> 00:03:53,710 Speaker 1: she dropped her head back onto her pillow. where she 54 00:03:53,750 --> 00:03:56,230 Speaker 1: closed her eyes for the final time. 55 00:03:58,610 --> 00:04:02,580 Speaker 4: Today, we're learning about the seamstress who stitched a community together. 56 00:04:02,900 --> 00:04:05,620 Speaker 4: Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. We've been taking the better 57 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:07,980 Speaker 4: part of this month to go through the birth of 58 00:04:08,040 --> 00:04:10,520 Speaker 4: the church. These early stories in the book of Acts 59 00:04:10,580 --> 00:04:16,030 Speaker 4: that showcase Christ's strength through imperfect people. Today, we're diving 60 00:04:16,070 --> 00:04:20,240 Speaker 4: into a story from Acts 9, 36-43. that's got everything. 61 00:04:20,300 --> 00:04:25,130 Speaker 4: It's got drama, miracles, and fashion. Yes, I said it, fashion. Oh, 62 00:04:25,180 --> 00:04:28,360 Speaker 4: and I forgot to mention, this story also showcases the 63 00:04:28,520 --> 00:04:32,160 Speaker 4: lamest name in all of scripture, Dorcas. 64 00:04:35,060 --> 00:04:38,560 Speaker 1: The winter morning's chill was burning away as the sun 65 00:04:38,640 --> 00:04:42,920 Speaker 1: climbed over the snowy mountains in the distance. Spring was approaching, 66 00:04:43,500 --> 00:04:47,430 Speaker 1: and with it, new life. For the first time in weeks, 67 00:04:47,940 --> 00:04:51,480 Speaker 1: Peter saw birds take flight before the sun on a 68 00:04:51,540 --> 00:04:55,300 Speaker 1: new search for twigs to brace their nests. If he 69 00:04:55,339 --> 00:04:58,580 Speaker 1: were quiet enough, he could catch sight of the peaks 70 00:04:58,700 --> 00:05:03,390 Speaker 1: of gazelle horns darting over the brittle gray underbrush. Peter 71 00:05:03,450 --> 00:05:08,870 Speaker 1: admired the Lord's beautiful creation and its captivating wonder. This 72 00:05:09,010 --> 00:05:12,610 Speaker 1: glorious handiwork was all being sustained. 73 00:05:12,730 --> 00:05:13,470 Speaker 3: By the Creator. 74 00:05:14,310 --> 00:05:18,210 Speaker 1: Peter pondered on his own place in it all. Recently, 75 00:05:18,270 --> 00:05:21,870 Speaker 1: the Pharisee Saul had swung from becoming the church's greatest 76 00:05:21,930 --> 00:05:26,659 Speaker 1: threat to boldly speaking on the Lord's behalf throughout Jerusalem. 77 00:05:27,279 --> 00:05:30,880 Speaker 1: It also made Peter realize how small the world really 78 00:05:30,940 --> 00:05:35,340 Speaker 1: was compared to the sovereignty of God, who held the 79 00:05:35,440 --> 00:05:39,150 Speaker 1: expanse of the heavens and earth in the span of 80 00:05:39,190 --> 00:05:42,990 Speaker 1: his hand. Peter continued to marvel at the Lord's power 81 00:05:43,230 --> 00:05:46,349 Speaker 1: as he walked. He had found that traveling throughout the 82 00:05:46,410 --> 00:05:50,120 Speaker 1: country had given him much more time to work through 83 00:05:50,430 --> 00:05:54,630 Speaker 1: his thoughts, a necessary practice he had found to keep 84 00:05:54,650 --> 00:05:58,250 Speaker 1: his mind focused on the Lord and his mission. And 85 00:05:58,350 --> 00:06:02,510 Speaker 1: while Jerusalem had become his second home, he had welcomed 86 00:06:02,550 --> 00:06:06,530 Speaker 1: the chance to visit believers in other cities. Today, his 87 00:06:06,610 --> 00:06:11,150 Speaker 1: sights were set on the people of Lydda. It was 88 00:06:11,230 --> 00:06:14,089 Speaker 1: midday by the time Peter made his way past the 89 00:06:14,130 --> 00:06:17,710 Speaker 1: first few homes that sat on the town's borders. He 90 00:06:17,730 --> 00:06:20,050 Speaker 1: was aware of the presence of other disciples in the 91 00:06:20,089 --> 00:06:25,020 Speaker 1: city and was determined to meet them first. However, as 92 00:06:25,080 --> 00:06:29,279 Speaker 1: they often did when following the Spirit, Peter's plans quickly 93 00:06:29,339 --> 00:06:33,060 Speaker 1: changed when he noticed someone curled up on the side 94 00:06:33,100 --> 00:06:37,180 Speaker 1: of the road. On a beaten-up mat lay a man 95 00:06:37,440 --> 00:06:40,850 Speaker 1: who looked a fair bit younger than Peter. From the 96 00:06:40,900 --> 00:06:44,370 Speaker 1: frayed edges of his blanket, he could only assume that 97 00:06:44,410 --> 00:06:47,960 Speaker 1: he had been there for quite some time. Peter turned 98 00:06:48,240 --> 00:06:51,719 Speaker 1: and approached the man. The apostle had expected him to 99 00:06:51,800 --> 00:06:55,480 Speaker 1: introduce himself, or at the very least ask for money. 100 00:06:56,620 --> 00:06:59,419 Speaker 1: But it was evident that the coldness of both winter 101 00:07:00,440 --> 00:07:03,719 Speaker 1: and years without the use of his legs had drained 102 00:07:03,760 --> 00:07:07,760 Speaker 1: the man of his last bits of energy. Instead, the 103 00:07:07,800 --> 00:07:11,580 Speaker 1: man simply watched Peter without so much as a nod. 104 00:07:12,760 --> 00:07:15,940 Speaker 1: The man's name was Anais. He had been raised as 105 00:07:15,980 --> 00:07:20,700 Speaker 1: a stonemason, with dreams of constructing grand palaces for kings 106 00:07:21,140 --> 00:07:23,850 Speaker 1: and noblemen. But he had lost the use of his 107 00:07:23,940 --> 00:07:27,090 Speaker 1: legs eight years ago, when he had fallen from the 108 00:07:27,130 --> 00:07:30,190 Speaker 1: top of a house he was building. The accident had 109 00:07:30,270 --> 00:07:33,630 Speaker 1: left him with no hope for a life outside of 110 00:07:33,650 --> 00:07:38,330 Speaker 1: the confines of his personal prison. He refused to complain 111 00:07:38,410 --> 00:07:42,710 Speaker 1: about his unfortunate circumstances, but the years had taken a 112 00:07:42,790 --> 00:07:46,570 Speaker 1: toll on his morale. No longer able to feign happiness 113 00:07:46,750 --> 00:07:52,280 Speaker 1: at passersby, he had resigned himself to complacency. Peter's heart 114 00:07:52,340 --> 00:07:55,660 Speaker 1: was swept over with compassion and empathy for the poor fellow. 115 00:07:56,340 --> 00:07:59,460 Speaker 1: Though Peter had been blessed with health, he knew what 116 00:07:59,480 --> 00:08:01,240 Speaker 1: it was like to be at the end of your 117 00:08:01,280 --> 00:08:02,980 Speaker 1: rope in need of a handout. 118 00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:07,620 Speaker 3: Shalom. Would you mind if I took a seat here 119 00:08:08,250 --> 00:08:09,020 Speaker 3: while I rested? 120 00:08:09,050 --> 00:08:14,120 Speaker 1: Aeneas grunted and shrugged his shoulders. He had occasionally had 121 00:08:14,200 --> 00:08:18,670 Speaker 1: travelers who would come and offer him empty platitudes, alongside 122 00:08:18,710 --> 00:08:21,610 Speaker 1: a few coins if they could spare any, and was 123 00:08:21,670 --> 00:08:27,180 Speaker 1: bracing himself for another such interaction. Peter gently sat at Anais' feet. 124 00:08:27,900 --> 00:08:30,240 Speaker 1: He knew the hardened shell was only a means of 125 00:08:30,300 --> 00:08:33,579 Speaker 1: protection for the young man. He gingerly tried to make 126 00:08:33,620 --> 00:08:34,560 Speaker 1: a connection with him. 127 00:08:35,300 --> 00:08:37,559 Speaker 3: Young man, what is your name? 128 00:08:38,230 --> 00:08:42,120 Speaker 1: Anais gave the stranger a sideways glance. It had been 129 00:08:42,160 --> 00:08:45,220 Speaker 1: longer than he could remember since someone asked him his name. 130 00:08:46,080 --> 00:08:48,980 Speaker 1: He swapped in a feeble attempt to wet his dry throat. 131 00:08:49,960 --> 00:08:51,460 Speaker 2: Ah, Aeneas. 132 00:08:52,160 --> 00:08:55,830 Speaker 3: A pleasure to meet you, Aeneas. My name is Peter. 133 00:08:56,490 --> 00:09:00,569 Speaker 1: Aeneas pretended to care, but deep down he was hoping 134 00:09:00,630 --> 00:09:03,030 Speaker 1: he wouldn't have to talk for long so he could 135 00:09:03,050 --> 00:09:04,309 Speaker 1: get back to trying to sleep. 136 00:09:04,770 --> 00:09:08,250 Speaker 3: Tell me, Aeneas, I imagine that life out in the 137 00:09:08,309 --> 00:09:12,110 Speaker 3: cold doesn't suit a young man like yourself. Would you 138 00:09:12,150 --> 00:09:12,849 Speaker 3: like to be healed? 139 00:09:13,350 --> 00:09:17,119 Speaker 1: Anais was offended at Peter's directness. He was insulted at 140 00:09:17,179 --> 00:09:20,160 Speaker 1: such a question and would have had to restrain himself 141 00:09:20,220 --> 00:09:22,880 Speaker 1: from striking the stranger if he had had the strength 142 00:09:22,920 --> 00:09:26,600 Speaker 1: to move. He did his best to remain respectful, though 143 00:09:26,620 --> 00:09:28,540 Speaker 1: did so through gritted teeth. 144 00:09:28,980 --> 00:09:33,199 Speaker 5: I would very much like to be healed, but doctors, priests, 145 00:09:33,280 --> 00:09:36,960 Speaker 5: and healers have all tried. They say there's nothing that 146 00:09:37,020 --> 00:09:37,620 Speaker 5: can be done. 147 00:09:38,260 --> 00:09:40,940 Speaker 1: Peter grinned and caught Anais fully off guard. 148 00:09:41,840 --> 00:09:44,460 Speaker 3: I believe I know a physician you haven't seen before, 149 00:09:45,220 --> 00:09:46,460 Speaker 3: though you may have heard of him. 150 00:09:47,040 --> 00:09:50,949 Speaker 5: I've seen every doctor I could afford from here to Caesarea. 151 00:09:51,790 --> 00:09:53,949 Speaker 5: If he's any good, I think I would have heard 152 00:09:53,990 --> 00:09:54,190 Speaker 5: of him. 153 00:09:54,770 --> 00:09:58,170 Speaker 3: The physician I speak of comes from somewhere a bit 154 00:09:58,250 --> 00:10:01,970 Speaker 3: farther than the roads you and I have traveled. And yes, 155 00:10:02,670 --> 00:10:06,429 Speaker 3: I speak of Jesus Christ. It is he who heals you. 156 00:10:06,910 --> 00:10:10,880 Speaker 1: Aeneas was confused at Peter's language. He spoke as though 157 00:10:10,960 --> 00:10:14,460 Speaker 1: this physician had already healed him. He was about to 158 00:10:14,500 --> 00:10:17,680 Speaker 1: retort the claim when he was distracted by his blankets. 159 00:10:18,700 --> 00:10:22,660 Speaker 1: At first, he hadn't realized it, but Anais could feel 160 00:10:22,760 --> 00:10:26,280 Speaker 1: the slight pressure caused by Peter sitting on the end 161 00:10:26,320 --> 00:10:30,020 Speaker 1: of his mat. He wiggled his toes and let out 162 00:10:30,059 --> 00:10:33,840 Speaker 1: a jovial laugh. He quickly looked up at Peter, his 163 00:10:33,920 --> 00:10:38,700 Speaker 1: jaw dropping into a wide smile. Now come, get up 164 00:10:38,760 --> 00:10:41,240 Speaker 1: and roll up your mat. You won't be needing it 165 00:10:41,280 --> 00:10:48,610 Speaker 1: any longer. Whales rang out from Dorcas' room. as Tabby 166 00:10:48,650 --> 00:10:52,890 Speaker 1: held her lifeless hand in his. He refused to believe 167 00:10:52,929 --> 00:10:56,750 Speaker 1: she was gone, and was dumbstruck by how quickly. 168 00:10:56,470 --> 00:10:58,709 Speaker 3: Life could leave a person. 169 00:10:59,090 --> 00:11:01,670 Speaker 1: He looked upon the body of his friend, but the 170 00:11:01,750 --> 00:11:05,870 Speaker 1: spirit that made her who she was had departed. He 171 00:11:05,929 --> 00:11:09,460 Speaker 1: allowed himself to break down into tears. He looked around 172 00:11:09,500 --> 00:11:12,600 Speaker 1: the room for some sort of comfort, but found none. 173 00:11:13,580 --> 00:11:17,720 Speaker 1: Heartbreak was eating away at his companion's as fast as 174 00:11:17,760 --> 00:11:20,860 Speaker 1: it was eating away at him. He wiped his face 175 00:11:21,580 --> 00:11:22,620 Speaker 1: and found his composure. 176 00:11:23,179 --> 00:11:24,079 Speaker 5: I won't accept it. 177 00:11:24,740 --> 00:11:25,220 Speaker 2: I can't. 178 00:11:25,900 --> 00:11:32,000 Speaker 3: Tavi, you must. There is nothing anyone can do. She's gone. 179 00:11:32,590 --> 00:11:36,490 Speaker 1: Tavi wouldn't allow himself to fall into the pit of despair. 180 00:11:37,190 --> 00:11:40,329 Speaker 1: He stared at the blank wall when a light went. 181 00:11:40,230 --> 00:11:40,849 Speaker 3: Off in his head. 182 00:11:41,330 --> 00:11:44,870 Speaker 5: There's nothing we can do, but there is one who can. 183 00:11:45,730 --> 00:11:49,079 Speaker 5: I've heard word. that the Apostle Peter is near. I 184 00:11:50,059 --> 00:11:52,800 Speaker 5: must go to him at once. If there is anyone 185 00:11:52,840 --> 00:11:56,200 Speaker 5: who can help, it's him. Even if just to help 186 00:11:56,240 --> 00:11:57,500 Speaker 5: our people grieve our loss. 187 00:11:58,460 --> 00:12:02,489 Speaker 1: Even though Dorcas was gone, there wasn't a minute to waste. 188 00:12:03,040 --> 00:12:07,150 Speaker 1: He had promised Dorcas he wouldn't lose faith. He trusted 189 00:12:07,210 --> 00:12:10,670 Speaker 1: that God would provide for her needs. Tavi jumped to 190 00:12:10,710 --> 00:12:13,050 Speaker 1: his feet and ran to the door for his cloak. 191 00:12:13,690 --> 00:12:15,750 Speaker 1: He knew if he was quick, he could make the 192 00:12:15,790 --> 00:12:21,820 Speaker 1: journey by nightfall. Peter spent the afternoon with Anais, teaching 193 00:12:21,880 --> 00:12:26,089 Speaker 1: him about the great physician. Those who recognized the once 194 00:12:26,160 --> 00:12:30,570 Speaker 1: lame man joined in their conversations. Soon many in the 195 00:12:30,610 --> 00:12:34,949 Speaker 1: city had believed in Jesus. Peter knew that this was 196 00:12:35,230 --> 00:12:38,370 Speaker 1: only the beginning. By the late afternoon he had made 197 00:12:38,410 --> 00:12:41,530 Speaker 1: his way through Lyda and found the house of one 198 00:12:41,550 --> 00:12:45,439 Speaker 1: of the believers and knocked. The door swung open suddenly, 199 00:12:46,100 --> 00:12:49,469 Speaker 1: nearly hitting Peter in the face. He stood nearly a 200 00:12:49,530 --> 00:12:52,830 Speaker 1: head above the elderly woman, who opened the door to 201 00:12:52,870 --> 00:12:53,250 Speaker 1: greet him. 202 00:12:54,670 --> 00:12:59,610 Speaker 2: Oh, you must be the Apostle Peter. I'm so glad 203 00:12:59,670 --> 00:13:04,370 Speaker 2: you found the house. My name is Ayla. I was 204 00:13:04,450 --> 00:13:08,350 Speaker 2: told you would be here this afternoon, but your arrival 205 00:13:08,450 --> 00:13:14,630 Speaker 2: is celebrated nonetheless. Oh, please, come in and rest. Eat 206 00:13:14,690 --> 00:13:18,390 Speaker 2: some food before we get started. Can I get you 207 00:13:18,450 --> 00:13:20,989 Speaker 2: a drink? Take your bag for you. 208 00:13:21,910 --> 00:13:25,880 Speaker 1: Peter was alarmed at Isla's agile mind. Despite her rage, 209 00:13:26,480 --> 00:13:30,260 Speaker 1: she jumped from thought to thought with apparent ease. She 210 00:13:30,340 --> 00:13:34,240 Speaker 1: scampered into the house. Peter assumed that was her way 211 00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:37,179 Speaker 1: of inviting him in. She ran off to the kitchen 212 00:13:37,520 --> 00:13:41,200 Speaker 1: and promptly returned with dishes stacked high upon her arms. 213 00:13:42,040 --> 00:13:45,380 Speaker 1: Peter was worried they would tumble over. but she floated 214 00:13:45,440 --> 00:13:48,880 Speaker 1: across the room and casually laid out the plates as 215 00:13:48,940 --> 00:13:52,860 Speaker 1: though she had done this countless times. Peter had mapped 216 00:13:52,940 --> 00:13:55,780 Speaker 1: out his priorities for the trip and ran over them 217 00:13:55,980 --> 00:13:59,540 Speaker 1: in his mind. The plan was to teach the believers 218 00:14:00,140 --> 00:14:03,880 Speaker 1: and help establish the necessary structure for the people to thrive. 219 00:14:04,470 --> 00:14:07,270 Speaker 1: He began to share his thoughts with Ayla. When the 220 00:14:07,309 --> 00:14:11,449 Speaker 1: two heard a fist pounding at the door, Ayla glided 221 00:14:11,490 --> 00:14:14,130 Speaker 1: through the house and opened the door. to find a 222 00:14:14,190 --> 00:14:17,170 Speaker 1: disheveled young man, clearly out of breath. 223 00:14:17,630 --> 00:14:18,330 Speaker 3: Good evening, ma'am. 224 00:14:19,010 --> 00:14:21,650 Speaker 5: I'm sorry to interrupt your evening, but I'm looking for 225 00:14:21,670 --> 00:14:22,960 Speaker 5: a man by the name of Peter. 226 00:14:23,560 --> 00:14:26,500 Speaker 1: On hearing his name, Peter slid his chair back and 227 00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:29,520 Speaker 1: stood against the wall between the kitchen and the entryway. 228 00:14:30,200 --> 00:14:32,860 Speaker 1: The young man caught sight of him and began to 229 00:14:32,920 --> 00:14:34,020 Speaker 1: address him fervently. 230 00:14:34,560 --> 00:14:38,240 Speaker 5: You must be him, the Apostle Peter. My name is Tavi. 231 00:14:38,850 --> 00:14:41,170 Speaker 5: I have come from Joppa on behalf of the believers there. 232 00:14:41,690 --> 00:14:43,150 Speaker 5: One of our very finest has.... 233 00:14:45,020 --> 00:14:47,700 Speaker 1: Tabby was choked up at saying the words for the 234 00:14:47,750 --> 00:14:52,450 Speaker 1: first time. His focus on traveling to Lyda had given 235 00:14:52,470 --> 00:14:56,390 Speaker 1: him momentary distraction from the harsh reality of home. 236 00:14:56,830 --> 00:14:59,970 Speaker 5: Please, you must come for the good of the people. 237 00:15:00,410 --> 00:15:02,870 Speaker 5: Tabitha has done more for the believers in Joppa than 238 00:15:02,910 --> 00:15:05,980 Speaker 5: the rest of us combined. Having the support of an 239 00:15:06,040 --> 00:15:09,500 Speaker 5: apostle at a time like this would surely encourage everyone. 240 00:15:10,140 --> 00:15:13,200 Speaker 1: Peter walked up and placed a fatherly hand on Tabby. 241 00:15:14,040 --> 00:15:17,240 Speaker 1: He looked at Aayla, not wanting to disappoint her and 242 00:15:17,260 --> 00:15:20,360 Speaker 1: the people of Lyda who were expecting his stay to 243 00:15:20,400 --> 00:15:25,760 Speaker 1: be longer. The elderly woman just smiled and nodded. Years 244 00:15:25,820 --> 00:15:30,080 Speaker 1: of life experience had given her a profound understanding of 245 00:15:30,140 --> 00:15:31,740 Speaker 1: its ever-changing nature. 246 00:15:32,740 --> 00:15:37,250 Speaker 2: Ah, it sounds like you're needed elsewhere for now. With 247 00:15:37,260 --> 00:15:42,010 Speaker 2: the testimony of Ines... I'm sure the believers here are 248 00:15:42,170 --> 00:15:45,360 Speaker 2: far more encouraged than they were just yesterday. 249 00:15:46,320 --> 00:15:50,000 Speaker 1: Peter directed Tabby in through the door and made plans 250 00:15:50,060 --> 00:15:54,780 Speaker 1: to leave at the first light of morning. The road 251 00:15:54,820 --> 00:15:58,440 Speaker 1: to Joppa was long, but it gave Peter ample time 252 00:15:58,520 --> 00:16:02,020 Speaker 1: to hear more of Tabby's story. Though to his surprise, 253 00:16:02,660 --> 00:16:05,730 Speaker 1: the young disciple spoke more of Dorcas than he did 254 00:16:05,770 --> 00:16:09,460 Speaker 1: of himself. There was no mistaking Tabby's endearment to the 255 00:16:09,510 --> 00:16:10,240 Speaker 1: motherly figure. 256 00:16:10,620 --> 00:16:13,900 Speaker 5: Here it is, Tabitha's house. Please come in. 257 00:16:14,500 --> 00:16:18,900 Speaker 1: Dreariness had beset the poor house. Floorboards creaked in the 258 00:16:18,960 --> 00:16:23,180 Speaker 1: silence of death's bitter sting. In only a few short days, 259 00:16:23,710 --> 00:16:27,050 Speaker 1: dust had collected on the tables and chairs, a haunting 260 00:16:27,110 --> 00:16:32,570 Speaker 1: reminder that Dorcas' constant upkeep was no longer present. Tavi 261 00:16:32,630 --> 00:16:36,790 Speaker 1: took Peter upstairs. Several of the other believers surrounded the 262 00:16:36,830 --> 00:16:42,360 Speaker 1: bed in mournful prayers. Atop the bed lay Dorcas. In 263 00:16:42,420 --> 00:16:45,780 Speaker 1: Tavi's absence, the others had washed her and covered her 264 00:16:46,180 --> 00:16:49,140 Speaker 1: in their finest cloth. When some of the grieving widows 265 00:16:49,230 --> 00:16:53,570 Speaker 1: saw Peter, they hurried over to him, clenching delicately crafted 266 00:16:53,650 --> 00:16:54,910 Speaker 1: robes in their fists. 267 00:16:56,070 --> 00:16:59,210 Speaker 2: Oh, how you would have loved her. She was always 268 00:16:59,270 --> 00:17:02,490 Speaker 2: doing something for others. Even when her own dresses were 269 00:17:02,530 --> 00:17:08,109 Speaker 2: falling apart, she was weaving beautiful clothes for us. It 270 00:17:08,150 --> 00:17:12,580 Speaker 2: didn't matter, though, for she still glowed radiantly, a true 271 00:17:12,700 --> 00:17:13,659 Speaker 2: gem of our people. 272 00:17:14,440 --> 00:17:18,020 Speaker 1: Peter had been beckoned to comfort the mourning community, but 273 00:17:18,060 --> 00:17:21,480 Speaker 1: he was stirred with the feeling that Dorcas had been 274 00:17:21,560 --> 00:17:24,340 Speaker 1: taken from the people far too early. 275 00:17:25,000 --> 00:17:28,359 Speaker 3: I have no doubt that Dorcas loved you with the 276 00:17:28,440 --> 00:17:30,080 Speaker 3: love of our Lord Jesus Christ. 277 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:34,430 Speaker 1: The love of Jesus, a love that knew no bounds. 278 00:17:35,190 --> 00:17:38,979 Speaker 1: Peter had seen it on display countless times. But being 279 00:17:39,119 --> 00:17:41,980 Speaker 1: in this upper room, in the midst of the people's 280 00:17:42,040 --> 00:17:46,859 Speaker 1: heavy grief, left him thinking of one instance in particular. 281 00:17:47,600 --> 00:17:50,760 Speaker 1: At the time, Jesus had sworn Peter and the Zebedee 282 00:17:50,820 --> 00:17:54,780 Speaker 1: brothers to secrecy until after his own death. What he 283 00:17:54,820 --> 00:17:58,780 Speaker 1: was contemplating to do next was more for them than 284 00:17:58,840 --> 00:17:59,900 Speaker 1: it was for Dorcas. 285 00:18:00,640 --> 00:18:03,899 Speaker 3: If I may have the room, it should only be 286 00:18:03,940 --> 00:18:04,320 Speaker 3: a moment. 287 00:18:05,080 --> 00:18:09,800 Speaker 1: In their sorrow, Nobody objected to Peter's request. They slunk 288 00:18:09,880 --> 00:18:13,000 Speaker 1: from the room to the funeral march of their sobbing. 289 00:18:13,859 --> 00:18:17,609 Speaker 1: Once the door was closed behind them, Peter knelt down 290 00:18:17,790 --> 00:18:20,869 Speaker 1: at the side of Dorcas' bed. He took her hand 291 00:18:21,050 --> 00:18:25,470 Speaker 1: in his and began praying. He muttered with his eyes 292 00:18:25,609 --> 00:18:29,800 Speaker 1: shut tight as his memory drew up flashes of Jerry's house. 293 00:18:31,040 --> 00:18:35,850 Speaker 1: Though his eyes were closed, Peter envisioned Jesus kneeling beside him. 294 00:18:36,550 --> 00:18:41,020 Speaker 1: The thought invigorated the apostle. He leaned over Dorcas' body 295 00:18:41,490 --> 00:18:47,820 Speaker 1: and whispered into her ear, Tabitha, get up. Instantly, Dorcas 296 00:18:47,940 --> 00:18:52,060 Speaker 1: threw her eyes open and gasped. She tilted her head 297 00:18:52,140 --> 00:18:56,680 Speaker 1: towards Peter. Startled, she sat upright in the bed. It's 298 00:18:56,740 --> 00:19:00,880 Speaker 1: quite all right, Tabitha. My name is Peter. Here, let 299 00:19:00,920 --> 00:19:05,040 Speaker 1: me help you up. Careful now. Peter helped Tabitha to 300 00:19:05,080 --> 00:19:08,330 Speaker 1: her feet. She felt as though she had just awoken 301 00:19:08,430 --> 00:19:12,280 Speaker 1: from the most pleasant sleep, full of dreams that were 302 00:19:12,340 --> 00:19:15,419 Speaker 1: quickly fading from her memory. She took note of the 303 00:19:15,480 --> 00:19:15,940 Speaker 1: empty room. 304 00:19:16,640 --> 00:19:20,800 Speaker 3: Not to worry. Everyone is waiting just downstairs for you. 305 00:19:21,740 --> 00:19:22,600 Speaker 3: Let me call them. 306 00:19:23,240 --> 00:19:27,040 Speaker 1: Peter stepped toward the stairway as Tabitha tried to piece 307 00:19:27,060 --> 00:19:30,619 Speaker 1: together what had happened. The last thing she could recall 308 00:19:30,700 --> 00:19:34,810 Speaker 1: was encouraging Tabby and the others. She could only guess 309 00:19:34,869 --> 00:19:38,510 Speaker 1: at how much time past since. She heard the sound 310 00:19:38,550 --> 00:19:42,740 Speaker 1: of racing footsteps stomping up the stairs. Tavi's face beamed 311 00:19:43,160 --> 00:19:46,010 Speaker 1: at the sight of Dorcas. He was followed by the others, 312 00:19:46,480 --> 00:20:09,929 Speaker 1: whose tears of mourning had turned into tears Peter knew 313 00:20:10,190 --> 00:20:12,550 Speaker 1: just what needed to happen next. 314 00:20:13,369 --> 00:20:15,890 Speaker 3: Tavi, please get our Tabitha something to eat. 315 00:20:19,710 --> 00:20:23,230 Speaker 4: All right, so let's talk about Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. 316 00:20:23,590 --> 00:20:26,209 Speaker 4: And I can't not smile when I hear that name. Now, 317 00:20:26,230 --> 00:20:29,020 Speaker 4: if you're like me, immature and like a junior hire, 318 00:20:29,240 --> 00:20:32,240 Speaker 4: you were thinking, who names their kid Dorcas? But before 319 00:20:32,280 --> 00:20:35,380 Speaker 4: we judge her parents, let's remember that Dorcas means gazelle, 320 00:20:35,580 --> 00:20:38,360 Speaker 4: a creature known for its grace and its beauty. So 321 00:20:38,520 --> 00:20:42,640 Speaker 4: picture our sister Tabitha as an embodiment of elegance and kindness. 322 00:20:43,380 --> 00:20:45,740 Speaker 4: Tabitha was the kind of woman who didn't just talk 323 00:20:45,780 --> 00:20:48,439 Speaker 4: about love. She wore it on her sleeve and stitched 324 00:20:48,480 --> 00:20:51,060 Speaker 4: it into every garment she made. She was full of 325 00:20:51,100 --> 00:20:53,780 Speaker 4: good works and charitable deeds in everything that she did. 326 00:20:54,500 --> 00:20:57,639 Speaker 4: Notice that the scripture doesn't say which she intended to 327 00:20:57,680 --> 00:21:00,810 Speaker 4: do or which she felt inspired about. No, she put 328 00:21:00,850 --> 00:21:03,369 Speaker 4: her faith into action needle by needle, thread by thread. 329 00:21:04,050 --> 00:21:07,470 Speaker 4: When she fell ill and died, the community was devastated. 330 00:21:07,990 --> 00:21:11,330 Speaker 4: The widows, those often overlooked and marginalized, stood around Peter 331 00:21:11,430 --> 00:21:14,510 Speaker 4: weeping and showing off the tunics and garments Dorcas had made. 332 00:21:15,109 --> 00:21:18,250 Speaker 4: It was a divine fashion show with a message. This 333 00:21:18,430 --> 00:21:21,790 Speaker 4: is what love looks like. And I want that for 334 00:21:21,850 --> 00:21:25,109 Speaker 4: my funeral. I want that when my final breaths are made. 335 00:21:25,250 --> 00:21:27,430 Speaker 4: I want everyone in my life to have a tangible 336 00:21:27,490 --> 00:21:30,500 Speaker 4: example of how I loved the community, how I loved 337 00:21:30,520 --> 00:21:34,080 Speaker 4: them and affected their lives. And because these people love her, 338 00:21:34,380 --> 00:21:38,240 Speaker 4: they sent for Peter, who's nearby in Lyda. Peter arrives 339 00:21:38,340 --> 00:21:41,740 Speaker 4: and is greeted by this emotional display. Now, Peter could 340 00:21:41,760 --> 00:21:45,669 Speaker 4: have easily been overwhelmed or even skeptical, but instead, he 341 00:21:45,710 --> 00:21:49,030 Speaker 4: takes a page out of Jesus' playbook. He asks everyone 342 00:21:49,070 --> 00:21:51,629 Speaker 4: to leave the room, perhaps to avoid any distractions or 343 00:21:51,670 --> 00:21:55,020 Speaker 4: to create an intimate space for God's work. Then, Peter prays. 344 00:21:55,440 --> 00:21:57,840 Speaker 4: He doesn't launch into a grand speech or perform a 345 00:21:57,880 --> 00:22:03,560 Speaker 4: theatrical ritual. He simply turns to the body and says,' Tabitha, arise,' 346 00:22:03,800 --> 00:22:07,000 Speaker 4: and she opens her eyes. Imagine that moment. One minute 347 00:22:07,020 --> 00:22:09,420 Speaker 4: the room is filled with sorrow, the next it's overflowing 348 00:22:09,440 --> 00:22:13,679 Speaker 4: with astonished joy. Peter presents her alive to the saints 349 00:22:13,760 --> 00:22:16,380 Speaker 4: and the widows, and the news spreads faster than any 350 00:22:16,460 --> 00:22:20,210 Speaker 4: rumor on social media. Many believed in the Lord because 351 00:22:20,450 --> 00:22:23,290 Speaker 4: of this miracle. So what can we learn from this 352 00:22:23,330 --> 00:22:26,810 Speaker 4: incredible story? First, Tabitha shows us the impact of a 353 00:22:26,890 --> 00:22:30,469 Speaker 4: life lived in service. She didn't perform grand miracles or 354 00:22:30,570 --> 00:22:33,540 Speaker 4: deliver stirring sermons. She used the gifts that she had, 355 00:22:33,800 --> 00:22:37,050 Speaker 4: her sewing skills, to bless others. Sometimes the most profound 356 00:22:37,090 --> 00:22:39,790 Speaker 4: ministry happens not on the pulpit or not on the 357 00:22:39,830 --> 00:22:42,510 Speaker 4: big screens, but in the everyday acts of kindness that 358 00:22:42,530 --> 00:22:45,689 Speaker 4: we offer to one another, using the skills that we 359 00:22:45,730 --> 00:22:48,560 Speaker 4: have available to us and the resources, as little or 360 00:22:48,619 --> 00:22:52,379 Speaker 4: as great as they are, to simply bless other people. Second, 361 00:22:52,480 --> 00:22:54,859 Speaker 4: Peter's actions remind us of the power of prayer and 362 00:22:54,900 --> 00:22:58,280 Speaker 4: the importance of following Jesus' example. He didn't rely on 363 00:22:58,300 --> 00:23:00,960 Speaker 4: his own strength. He didn't make this a grand spectacle 364 00:23:01,000 --> 00:23:04,400 Speaker 4: about himself. He knelt down silently in an empty room 365 00:23:04,540 --> 00:23:08,250 Speaker 4: and prayed. How often do we face overwhelming situations and 366 00:23:08,290 --> 00:23:11,409 Speaker 4: forget to see God's guidance first? How often are we 367 00:23:11,450 --> 00:23:13,909 Speaker 4: wanting to prove something to others that we're faithful or 368 00:23:13,990 --> 00:23:17,410 Speaker 4: that we're capable, and so we rob ourselves of a beautiful, 369 00:23:17,490 --> 00:23:22,510 Speaker 4: intimate moment with God and actually miss out on the miracles? Lastly, 370 00:23:22,590 --> 00:23:26,149 Speaker 4: let's not overlook where Peter stays after this miracle, with Simon, 371 00:23:26,369 --> 00:23:30,590 Speaker 4: a tanner. Now, tanners weren't exactly the most popular folks 372 00:23:30,650 --> 00:23:34,360 Speaker 4: back then. Their profession was considered unclean because they worked 373 00:23:34,380 --> 00:23:37,229 Speaker 4: with dead animals. Yet, Peter chose to lodge with him. 374 00:23:37,830 --> 00:23:40,490 Speaker 4: This is significant. It's a hint that Peter's heart is 375 00:23:40,550 --> 00:23:44,369 Speaker 4: starting to change, preparing him for the next big step 376 00:23:44,730 --> 00:23:48,070 Speaker 4: when he's going to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. 377 00:23:48,590 --> 00:23:50,670 Speaker 4: Now that's a story for next time.