UNCOMMON DESIRE FOR GOOD WORKS - PART 1

MONDAY 21 OCTOBER 2024

We are called to sustain a high regard for good works because God prearranged and readily prepared us to be instrumental in carrying them out. To that effect, Pauline epistolary expression reads, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). So good works are awe-inspiring part of our divine nature, indigenous to our heavenly heritage. More below!

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."

To give you a clarification of insight into story pertaining the context of Peter's visit to Joppa, including the main reason for his visit, let us consider the versified passage below:

As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord's people who lived in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. "Aeneas," Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she 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!" (Acts 9:32-38 NIV). 

Peter kept on visiting the fellowship of the saints in Christian communities through the coastal region of Judea. He was purposeful in preaching the glorious gospel, such that those who accepted his message about Christ, were baptized and added to the church. In doing so, God powerfully used Peter as an instrument to heal the sick and perform all kinds of miracles that were in a carbon-copy fashion with Jesus miraculous deeds - in their maximal outcomes. Now Joppa was were a disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek lexicon) was living. This town known as Joppa, was one of the earliest cities to have a congregational church which was the influential part of what made the town famous. Today, the town of Joppa is known as Jaffa, and it is indeed, a beautifully-sited city, which is part of Tel Aviv-Yafo in Israel's Mediterranean coast.

In the old Testament, it was stated that territory of Dan's inheritance was opposite Joppa. The passage reads:

The seventh lot fell to the tribe of the Danites, clan by clan; and the territory of its inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh, Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah, Elon, Timnah, Ekron, Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath, Jehud, Bene-berak, Gath-rimmon, and Me-jarkon and Rakkon on the border opposite Joppa (Joshua 19:40-46 NASB).

The story of Dorcas is one of the most well-known narrative account of miraculous wonders in the Scripture. In accordance with the report on this matter, Peter travelled to Joppa from Lydda because the disciples sent two men to him and urged him to come there in relation to the news of Dorcas' tragic demise. Stay tuned for part 2. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Matthew 4:23-24; Luke 4:14-40; Matthew 9:35; Titus 2:14.

Exuberant Declaration:

God made sure I was created for good works, and my inspired ability to be zealous for good deeds is absolutely pure and acceptable in His sight. Hallelujah!