Dorcas – Asleep on the Job

Dorcas – Asleep on the Job

Acts 9:36  There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas. She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. (NLT) 

            There was a certain woman in the Bible named Tabitha (which means Dorcas in Greek) who had taken ill. The Bible does not specify what type of illness it was, but only that it was very serious. She had a huge heart and was a wonderful help to many people in need. Sadly, Dorcas had succumb to her illness and died. Her friends and loved ones were heartbroken as they prepared her body to be buried. Word, however, got around that Peter was in a nearby city and so some of the believers had two messengers to find Peter and ask him to come back with them in a hurry. The believers knew that Peter, with the power of God, could raise Dorcas back to life.

            Upon Peter’s arrival, they wept and told him of the many things that Dorcas had done for them such as making them various types of clothes. After seeing some of her work and listening to their testimonies concerning her, Peter went into her room. He requested that everyone leave so that he could be in silence. Peter prayed to God and then told Dorcas to arise. Dorcas awakened from her temporary sleep and was reunited with those she loved to do more of the work that had touched so many lives.

            The Bible often describes death as a peaceful sleep. 

1 Thessalonian 4:13-14 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (NLT) Just like we go to sleep at night and awaken in the morning, it is said to be the same way when it comes to death. It is not something to fear with regards to the afterlife if you know that you have believed and accepted Jesus into your heart, repented of all sins, been baptized, and is in good standing with God. Matthew 10:28 Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (NLT) Death is not the end for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Many people grieve the loss of a loved one when they are taken away from them just as the believers grieved over Dorcas. Yet, the Bible lets us know that those who died in God will one day rise to see Him and their loved ones once again. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17…the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (KJV) Take comfort that death is not the end but the beginning. Upon awakening, it will be the start of a brand new life at the Potter’s House for all who have died in Him. The Potter will give us new vessels that will never break down from illness, pain, age, nor will it succumb to death again. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57  ⁽⁵⁴⁾ Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is your victory? ⁽⁵⁵⁾O death, where is your sting? ⁽⁵⁶⁾For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. ⁽⁵⁷⁾But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NLT)