The object of this study is to take some time out of our busy, often chaotic days and spend some time with women who have gone before us. Not just any women, but 26 women of the Bible. We’ll “Walk Among Them” and see how their stories relate to our lives. It’s my hope that we will discover God’s presence and grace in our own lives as the lives and lessons of these women unfold before us this year.

DORCAS/TABITHA

“Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which when translated in Greek is called Dorcas): This woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did.” Acts 9:36

This week we’re going to meet a woman on our walk who we’ll meet only briefly in the book of Acts, but will share profound lessons with us. Dorcas lived in a town called Joppa, a town on the Mediterranean coast about thirty miles from Jerusalem. We know that Dorcas was among a group of people who followed Christ and was among one of the first gathering groups of Christians.

Holy Scripture mentions and remembers her for “abounding” deeds of kindness and charity. What a wonderful way to be remembered 2000 years later. She must have been extraordinary! With all of the women who were alive, Luke mentions her actions and how those around her felt when she died. It’s in Acts that we read that the community was so saddened by her death that they summoned Peter to come.

Peter turned to her body and said, “Get up, Tabitha.” “Then she opened her eyes. When she saw Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive.”
(Acts 9:40 -42)

Clearly Dorcas was a servant of the Lord. She was  a true comforter to those around her. It seems that Dorcas was always ready and willing to “EXTEND HERSELF.” It shouldn’t surprise us that she is the only woman in Scripture to be given the label of “disciple.” If we look at what a disciple is, we’ll discover that the word comes from Greek and English words that link it to the verb, “to learn.” A disciple after all takes in all that they can from their leader. In this case Dorcas has learned all that she could from the life that Jesus led and became a true follower. A disciple listens and learns. Dorcas listened, learned and then she went out and lived out the traits that she had  learned from what she knew of her Lord, Jesus. As the only woman referred to as a disciple, her character demonstrated those traits of mercy and kindness which made her a reflection of Jesus. (See Acts 9:36)

We don’t know much about Dorcas from Scripture. In Acts, we are not told if she is married or how old she is. We do know, however, that she is the only woman in Scripture to be called a disciple. That alone tells us she was passionate. Passionate as a doer and follower of Jesus. She lived for others, earning the honor of the title “disciple.” Wouldn’t you love to have the words, “she was a disciple” spoken about you long, long after you were gone?

Certainly many women of the day possessed those qualities. Living in Joppa and the surrounding towns lived women who were good, really good. There were women who loved and cared for families and lent a helping hand to those in need, but Dorcas was different.  The community called Peter in at the time of her death. Her life impacted her community and thus Luke mentions this story. It seems that what set her apart was her passion for the cause. She was truly a disciple in word and deed. What set her apart was that she was unceasing in her commitment to discipleship. She was a woman living in desperate times, and yet she found a way to live passionately for Christ, by serving and tending to the needs of those around her. It’s not that she did it occasionally, but continually. One word, made all the difference. “Continually” doing for others, not occasionally, as the mood strikes, but ALL the time. She was the one who noticed who needed what and simply did what she knew to do. She chose to DO, all the time! And, continually she lived the life of a disciple, not just when SHE was in the mood.

Dorcas lived a life that glorified God. Her acts of goodness and kindness are done to help others in the name of Christ. Then God does as He will, and He allows her to be raised from the dead by Peter, again glorifying His name through her willingness to be used in any way God needs her. Dorcas was not a woman of nobility. The account given in Luke  tells us only that she was a believer. That was enough for God to use. She was a willing vessel through with God could freely flow.

With each woman that we study, I’ll have some thoughts and ideas for reflection, meditation and journaling that will be called “Reflections from the Walk.” It’s in Walking Among Them that we can learn lessons that we can take with us on our daily walks.

Reflections from the walk:

Dorcas was a woman that is remembered in Scripture for her kindness and  mercy. What wonderful traits to be remembered 2,000 years for. If you were to no longer exist, what would those around you say about you? Would they attach adjectives such as merciful, gracious, hospitable, and kind to your name?  Reflect on these traits and ask God to guide you in the areas that would help you to be a better disciple.

Is there a Dorcas in your life? Is there a woman who is passionately pursuing Christ by using her gifts? Thank her. Write a note to that woman expressing your gratitude to her for her discipleship and example.

We can be certain that Dorcas was a disciple and not out among those in Joppa wanting the credit for all the work she did. Do you ever find yourself struggling with “wanting some acknowledgment” for the work you’ve done or secretly wishing that you would be “thanked” more often? Often we let these things interfere with our spirits. We can never be true disciples if it is about us, and not Him. Journal your honest feelings about this. It may be challenging. We often do not like how we react, but it’s only in going honestly to God that He can help turn our hearts to Him where we’ll become true disciples.

Take time out of your week to extend yourself to someone in need. It can be a simple act of kindness or an impromptu extension of mercy. Write out Matthew 6:3-4.

“When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Allow this verse to guide you this week as you strive to live a disciple’s life. The glory is God’s, not ours. Look around you and meet the needs of those that you may not otherwise extend yourself to. Remind yourself that Dorcas did continually, not conveniently. A wonderful example of discipleship for us to follow.

A PDF version is HERE.

Lori is a 5th year homeschool mom to 3. Currently she homeschools an 9th grader, a 7th grader and a 5th grader. Lori hopes to impart peace and inspiration amidst the daily chaos. It’s in the daily details of life that she is continually inspired! Be sure to visit her blog at All You Have to Give and at Internet Cafe Devotions.