Luke the physician wrote, “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”, and in chapter nine and verse thirty-seven of the book of Acts Luke shared how Dorcas, “was sick and died” where we read:
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.
The verse begins, “And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died:” Luke began with the words, “and it came to pass” which means “and it happened, occurred and came into being” “in those days” or “within the sunrises to sunsets”, “that she was sick” which means “that Dorcas was weak, feeble, without strength, powerless and ill”, “and died” or “and took her last breath, perished and became lifeless”. Luke shared how “Dorcas” became “ill” and eventually “died” from her affliction.
The verse goes on to say, “whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.” Luke continued with the words, “whom when they had washed” which means “and at the time and moment the people with Dorcas bathed and cleansed the body of Dorcas”, “they laid her” or “and the people with Dorcas placed, set and fixed the body of Dorcas” “in a upper chamber” which means “in an upper room or the highest part of the house”. Luke shared how the people with “Dorcas” “cleansed” her body and laid it in a room that was in the highest part of the house.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Dorcas”, who was a faithful disciple of Jesus, got “sick” and “died” of her illness. This is a very challenging scripture to which we all should pay particular attention. A follower, disciple and minister of Jesus suffered from “sickness” and actually “died” from it. God's plan of salvation through His Son Jesus is eternal, and the life on the earth is “temporary”. Sometimes people who have dedicated themselves to Jesus get “sick”, and some of them “die”. God so loved people that He sent His Son Jesus who also “died”, but that was not the end of Him. Jesus rose from the grave three days later and overcame death. This provided access for all people, who will eventually die of something, to enjoy the promise of eternal life with God through Jesus Christ His Son. Those who believe and trust in Jesus will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and be used in His Kingdom until the time of their last breath. Let all who read these words carefully consider this story of “Dorcas” and yield their lives to Jesus who promises they shall live forever when they trust in, rely upon and cling to Him.
Next time Luke shares how two disciples desired that Peter, “would not delay to come to them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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