I think we all have that one generous-hearted, large-bosomed family friend whose jolly laugh brings warmth to any room instantly. To me, that's Dorcas.Dorcas (Greek translation of the Aramaic name Tabitha, meaning "Gazelle") was a disciple who lived in the coastal city of Joppa. The original Greek text describes her as a female disciple - the only time the New Testament uses this word. So already from this word we know she was a special woman. A woman of devout faith. The Bible doesn't tell us much about her life per say but in the few short verses we have about her, it speaks of her as being full of good works and acts of charity. She was therefore an admired member of the community, esteemed by all. And especially by the widows of Joppa who gather by her bedside in mourning. A woman with a heart for others and more importantly for Christ her Saviour. What I always find interesting in this story is why after Dorcas had died did the disciples send word to Peter to urge him to come immediately? And instead of preserving and burying her body directly which was the usual custom, they washed her body and laid her in the upper room. Just waiting. They had probably heard of other miracles of resurrection and hoped that Peter would bring Dorcas back to life. Which truly shows the faith the Saints in Joppa must have had. Through Dorcas' life of devotion and good deeds lives were influenced and through her death and restoration to life souls were saved. Let us be a Dorcas today. Let us put on compassion. Don't just wait for a need to arise but go out in search for it. Let us put on Christ.
Extra Reading:
http://www.walk-by-faith.com/People/dorcas/dorcas.html
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