Acts 9:36-39

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

Dorcas…it might not be the best of names to have in this day and age but I’ve got to be honest and say that she has won my heart. This woman of virtue made it her calling to “always do good and help the poor.” We just read a scripture last week from Jeremiah that spoke of how those that plead for the poor and the afflicted know the Lord. It’s safe to say that Dorcas new the Lord and the Lord knew her.

We’ve also talked a great deal lately about living a life that is louder than our message…for Dorcas…her reputation precedes her. She is well known for her good and Godly works. The proof is visible…it was undeniable. Here is a great truth, “The visible proof of God creates radical conversion and ultimately changed cities.” Joppa was a city challenged and changed. It was changed by radical Christians that used the finances that they had to take care of the poor, the widows, and the orphans. Social justice is not the cause of a government…it is the cause of the Church. It is our responsibility to take care of this city and its poor, its widows, and its orphans.

Dorcas was a disciple with social justice in mind. That burden on her heart pushed her to using the finances she had and the skill set by which God gave her to provide what she could for those in need around her. This is how she showed the love of Jesus upon her community. It’s no surprise then that when she got sick and eventually passed a way that the ones who came to her bedside where those that had been personally touched by her generosity and kindness. Allow me to hang here just a few minutes…

Jeremiah 29:7 NASV

Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.'

I spoke a while back on this scripture…but let’s look at it real quick in application to what we are reading in here in Acts…If we pray for the city we live in…if we take care of it, encourage it, provide for it…it will provide for us, take care of us, and encourage us. That is what the Lord promises. The mission field begins right out of those doors. We must embrace our mission, be encourage by the God who is able, and go forth in obedience to canvas this town with the love of Christ…and it starts by taking care of the poor, the afflicted, and those that are in need!