Tuesday 09 May 2023
- Bible Book:
- Acts
This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. (v. 42)
Background
This is the sort of passage that many of us find difficult, although its meaning is fairly clear. Tabitha has died. Peter is summoned; he comes and prays that she might come back to life and she does. We can rationalise it to mean Tabitha was in a coma or some similar state, and Peter’s prayer was part of her healing. But that isn’t being true to the text and is really an attempt to put a more rational explanation on what is a miraculous event.
This isn’t a passage I would look forward to preaching on, and it isn’t a passage that is easy to use in pastoral situations. Why is Tabitha brought back to life? Why her and not numerous others of at least equal virtue? Why not every child that tragically dies?
There are three things that I draw out of this. The first is that God is beyond our understanding and limitation. Tabitha is miraculously raised and why that should be is perhaps to demonstrate God’s power and glory. We can attempt a more modern and scientific interpretation, but I think that fails us and doesn’t come out of the plain meaning of the Scripture.
The second point for me is that this is temporary. Tabitha did die in due course. That is part of life. We do not exist on earth for ever. But we do have a hope and promise of eternity. So, I consider this passage to also be foreshadowing our eternal hope where there is no more sickness or death, but life in eternity in God’s presence. Rather than a strange event in the life of one individual, it’s a pointer to the future life available to all.
And finally, when God is clearly at work in someone’s life, that becomes a witness and testimony that is noticed by others, in this case ‘throughout Joppa’ (modern day Jaffa). May it be so in our lives also.
To Ponder:
- What other passages of Scripture do you find difficult?
- Is the plain meaning of Scripture always the most helpful interpretation?
- What can people see of God at work in your life?
Prayer
Gracious God, give me a real passion for your word, and that I may live it out day by day.