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UNCOMMON DESIRE FOR GOOD WORKS - PART 3

WEDNESDAY 23 OCTOBER 2024


The term "Good works" is identified as having ancient origin in the deep repository of eternalised memory of Almighty God; it is forever immortalized in the history book of remembrance in heaven, in which we are regarded as saints that activate its modern equivalent on earth (see Malachi 3:16 NIV). What does this mean? Have you noticed that in Ephesians 2:10, we were created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them?


This implies that good works were prepared before our existence; so we were created for it; it precedes us in order of existence. Since it was in state of reality before our creation, it is an ancient Spirit, with exclusive repute and acknowledged existence within the sphere of eternity. So it's been with God and Christ before entire creation came into being.

Reference: Acts 9:36 Common English Bible (CEB)

"In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas). Her life overflowed with good works and compassionate acts on behalf of those in need."


This is exactly what Christ Jesus did for us: Titus 2:14 (BSB), "He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." Was Dorcas zealous for good works? Let's see!


In line with Acts 9:37-39, the Bibles stated this about Dorcas:


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 (KJV).


Now watch this: In verse 37, Dorcas was declared dead. One way to define her unusual GRACE is to consider the process by which she was honoured with anticipation of being raised again, and by that optimistically-actioned presupposition, they moved her dead body to an upper chamber indoors. Interestingly, it is not every dead saint that is responded to [with such expectation in mind], in the manner which Dorcas was acknowledged as solemn even after her demise. What am I saying?


Once someone dies, with time or with immediate effect, a burial arrangement commences, and people visit their loved ones to sympathise and mourn with them, which is a common-sense expectation in such situation. Genuine people honour and grieve the deceased until they are buried in a grave or cemetery.


So what gave the disciples a greater understanding of such perspective in regard to sending for Peter to raise her from the dead, instead of burying her? Her case was quite different; the scroll of remembrance was opened on the basis of her unwavering and exceptional commitment to good works. As a result, it reflected on earth such that those who benefited from her munificent legacy, including widows - stood around Peter, weeping and testifying about her enduring positive impact with sufficient evidence.


The scroll (or book) of remembrance is a branch of good works where good news and informative records are written before God in favour of the saints. I strongly believe that the voice of her scroll of memorial in heaven was outstandingly louder than the voice of her untimely death. So the Lord paid attention and listened to those that were sent by the disciples to inform Peter at Lydda about the doleful incident, desiring that he would not delay to come to them. Also we can acknowledgeably notice that the message the "sent men" delivered to Peter was timely, for Proverbs 25:11 reads, "Like apples of gold in settings of silver, Is a word spoken at the proper time" (NASB).


With a living faith stirred up in the hearts of the disciples, they sent for Peter in the wake of her sudden death, an inspired action that denotes her remarkable remembrance in the heavenly realms joining forces with earthly-bound entities. Some things don't just happen. Raising a dead person is about manifesting the highest specimen of divine power in the earth realm.


Acts 9:40-43 reads:

"But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, "Get up, Tabitha." And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive. The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. And Peter stayed a long time in Joppa, living with Simon, a tanner of hides" (NLT).


Beloved, it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35 NIV). May this truth remain lively in our hearts with zero difficulty, and endure as a bond of moral attachment to our recreated spirits. Stay tuned for part 4. Shalom!


Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 15:10; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Hebrews 13:2.


Guided Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, your Word says that whoever is kind to others lends to you, and you will reward them for what they have done. Through the living and practical truth of this revelatory insight, I acknowledge that as I remain a source of genuine blessing to the saints, I'm greatly enriched, because one who waters will himself be watered, among all the splendours of this great universe. Therefore my expressed mindset and corresponding actions in this regard are continually sensed as participating in the prevailing and rewarding godly doings, in Jesus' Name, Amen!





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