Faith That Acts, Love That Raises
A short reflection on Acts 9:36–43
Tabitha, a disciple of Jesus in Joppa, wasn’t known for preaching or performing miracles – she was known for doing good. Her faith was expressed in the garments she made and the lives she touched. When she died, the community mourned deeply, preparing her for burial as was the custom in a hot climate where burial followed quickly after death. That they delayed burial to fetch Peter from Lydda – a 5-hour walk or 3-hour donkey ride – shows their desperate hope and deep love.
Peter came. He didn’t preach a sermon. He simply knelt and prayed. Then, in Jesus’ name, he called Tabitha to rise – and she did. This astonishing moment not only echoes the miracles of Jesus but affirms that God’s power continues through Jesus’ followers. Luke recorded this story generations later not just for its drama, but because it embodied the living faith of the early church: a faith where belief leads to action, and where the dead are raised – metaphorically and literally – by the love of a community and the courage to hope.
From this reading we learn that true discipleship means combining belief with tangible acts of compassion and service. And, that God still works through communities of faith who love boldly, act courageously, and believe that transformation is possible.
Nga mihi
Philip
11 May 2025
p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here: https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-easter-4-11-may-2025