INSPIRATION
Tabitha
Written by Ebony Murrell Image Artwork by OnPath TM Graphics
5
In the Book of Acts , the Bible tells a story of a woman who lived in the city of Joppa ( modern-day Tel-Aviv ). Her name was Tabitha and she was a disciple and a woman of faith , love , and great compassion . As a Christian leader , she dedicated her life to serving others - she was generous and had many charities ( Acts 9:36 ).
Tabitha was skilled in sewing and she is most remembered for making clothes for the poor . This was no small affair as materials for garments in those days were expensive and the labor was tedious . The most common items of apparel were tunics ( a type of robe worn next to the skin ), accompanied by a cloak ( usually made from animal skins or camel hair ). Everything was sewn by hand and to receive one of these garments as a gift was considered a great honor .
The Bible tells us Tabitha fell ill and she died ( Acts 9:37 ). All of Joppa mourned her death . So great was their sorrow that the disciples sent for the Apostle Peter , who was nearby in the city of Lydda .
When Peter arrived in Joppa , he was taken to Tabitha ' s body . There , she was surrounded by widows weeping and showing him the tunics she had made for them . Moved by their love for her , Peter sent them out of the room and knelt down to pray . Then he said to her , " Tabitha get up ." She opened eyes and sat up ( Acts 9:39-40 ).
... a servant ' s heart
News of the miracle and the resurrection of Tabitha sent a revival through Joppa and many people gave their lives to Christ ( Acts 9:42 ).
The story of Tabitha is not just about a woman who made clothes for those who were less fortunate . Her service to others went beyond giving . She had a servant ' s heart - the heart of the Father . When she died , it impacted the whole city of Joppa . Everyone felt the loss . And when she was resurrected , not only did it restore her life , it restored her ministry back to the city .
I believe for the Church to truly impact the world , the ' servant ' s heart ' must be resurrected in God ' s people . I believe we are living in a time where God is giving vision to His daughters and empowering us for the marketplace as never before . I believe He is calling us to impact our communities , cities , and regions , both locally and globally at an exponential rate . Through our talents and gifts , but most of all from a heart that reflects His love - a servant ' s heart - to be a beacon of light to those who are trying to find their way through the waves of darkness .
For those of us who have been called to ministry and to serve others , let us always remember to be like Tabitha , giving the best to those who have the least and serve others with the Father ' s heart . .
ISSUE 04 | WINTER 2017