Bible Reading:
Acts 9:36-43
36Now 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.
37And 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.
38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
Devotional:
In John's Gospel we heard from the lips of the Lord Jesus about the family of God. Now we look into the period of the early church, after our Lord has died, risen, and ascended into heaven. What does God tell us in the Acts of the Apostles about His family? Indirectly He tells us about His family through the life of Dorcas.
Dorcas was probably a widow or unmarried. There is no evidence that she had any family responsibilities. But she was a member of the family of God and she shared herself, her goods, the fruit of her hands, her love, with other family members. No wonder they loved her!
In the providence of God we have in our churches women like Dorcas, who live alone, without families of their own, but members of the family of God. What is our relationship with them? Do we include them in the activities of the church and its fellowship? If they have a financial need, do we as the body of Christ help them meet it? If they have need of a lawyer, a carpenter, a doctor, an errand-boy, a counselor, a gardener, do we offer our services? Do we invite them to our homes for meals or visits? As fellow members of the family of God we should do these things quite spontaneously.
Could we adopt a widow as an aunt for our children? God has commanded us to care for widows and orphans—the alone ones. What reason do we have for being so casual in obeying His provision for social security?
And as for the woman alone, whether a widow or unmarried, she must be willing to communicate her need and to accept from her sisters and brothers in Christ what they offer as coming from God. This is God's way and all of us should rejoice in His concern for each one of His people.
We are happy to have obtained permission to post as our current daily devotional Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Reading for Husbands and Wives, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Don't be misled by the subtitle. As the book's "Preface" indicates (see below), although Heirs Together of Life is "especially prepared for couples,"the authors declare, "Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader."
Charles and Norma Ellis are husband and wife and the authors not only of Heirs Together of Life (which was first published in 1980 and continues in print today), but also of Wells of Salvation (first published in 1985, and likewise still in print today). The latter contains a series of short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah, while the former contains a series of almost 200 short studies covering the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Both books by the Ellises can be ordered from the publisher, The Banner of Truth Trust. We trust that these daily Bible readings, posted daily on our site, will be helpful to you in your Christian walk before God. Whether married or not, all of us are members of families and members of the family of God.
Charles Ellis was educated at Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Westminster (where he earned not only a Th.B. but also a Th.M.), he was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and pastored a number of OPC churches, including Immanuel OPC in West Collingswood, New Jersey; First OPC in Cincinnati, Ohio; Covenant OPC in East Orange, New Jersey; Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland; and Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Less biographical information is available about his wife, but it is known that they served as parents of seven children. After retiring from the ministry, Charles Ellis went to be with the Lord in 2003, but he and his wife left us with a beautiful legacy in the two books they have given to the world, and we are proud to share the daily Bible readings from Heirs Together of Life here with you.
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