WHEN THEY FALL, HELP THEM GET UP R B Mull ACT 9:36 – 42 All from the greatest to the least of us need a helping hand some time. The vicissitudes of life can cause money problems, marital problems. Even our children being unruly can make us needy. The Righteousness of God in us helps us to discern the needs of others. More than see we as the people of God should do something to change the situation for good. The Bible says, confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16) The word of the Lord according to Acts chapter nine speaks to this issue…………. 36 Now 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. 37 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. 38 And 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. 39 Then 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. 40 But 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. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. 35. all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron-- (or "Sharon," a rich vale between Joppa and Caesarea). saw him, and turned to the Lord-- that is, there was a general conversion in consequence. A Deeper look……… 36- 39. at Joppa-- the modern Jaffa, on the Mediterranean, a very ancient city of the Philistines, afterwards and still the seaport of Jerusalem, from which it lies distant forty- five miles to the northwest. Tabitha... Dorcas-- the Syro- Chaldaic and Greek names for an antelope or gazelle, which, from its loveliness, was frequently employed as a proper name for women [MEYER, OLSHAUSEN]. Doubtless the interpretation, as here given, is but an echo of the remarks made by the Christians regarding her-- how well her character answered to her name. full of good works and alms- deeds-- eminent for the activities and generosities of the Christian character. 37. when they had washed-- according to the custom of civilized nations towards the dead. in an-- rather, "the" upper chamber-- (compare 1Ki 17:19). 38. the disciples sent unto Peter-- showing that the disciples generally did not possess miraculous gifts [BENGEL]. 39. all the widows-- whom she had clad or fed. stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made-- that is, (as the tense implies), showing these as specimens only of what she was in the habit of making. He gave her his hand, and lifted her up (Acts 9:41) -- as his Lord had done to his own mother- in- law (Mr 1:31). The Gift of Preaching has become a glorified Position. What with the high salaried preaching engagements and fame received, there is great competition. So much so it is in some cases cut throat in nature. There is character assassination, even Christian bullying. Yes perfect love casts out fear(1John 4:18). Even the best of us can be distracted momentarily, (Mathew 24:24 ...”If it were at possible they would deceive the elect”). The clarion call of God is to discipleship of brotherly love. When a brother is taken in a fault restore such a one with the spirit of gentleness (Galations 6:1). There is so much work, in our Father’s Kingdom , there is no need to fight and compete over position. Life for all of us can become an uphill journey. No man is an island, we all could use some assistance. We like Peter should lock arms in the body of Christ, forming an impenetrable sphere of Brotherly love. The church would say “Don’t give the devil no room for his mess” (Ephesians 4:27). Rather building each one as they grow in their ministry. Love them; teach them, every day building an army of believers to fight the good fight of faith. At the appropriate moment pay it forward, giving back to the people of God the same compassion received. He is the Good Sheppard. God never wants any to fall astray. He like a Sheppard tending his sheep has a close watch on all of us. God stops to go get a single one who has fallen behind. All the sheep are significantly important to him, from the feeble to the greatest one. Your labor of love or service is not in vain. From your bed of affliction he calls you to new life. It is a great act of faith for the afflicted pressing in to serve at whatever level they can. It is the father’s will that every need be supplied. He wants you to be whole lacking nothing. No more worry no more depression. God is reaching out to you today. Won’t you believe him for your miracle? Will you trust him? Rise in power and authority. Receive ye the Holy Ghost.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Aug 2013 20:43:21 +0000
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