ESOCS Devotional 5 October 2026 – Remembered For Her Good Works
MEMORY VERSE: “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.” Acts 9:39 KJV
TEXT: ACTS 9: 32- 43
Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
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In the town of Lydda lived Tabitha, whose Greek name was Dorcas. She was a very benevolent sister who spent her time helping others. She became ill, died, and was prepared for burial. When Peter arrived at the place, the people in the house started mourning over the loss of such a great servant of God. They mourned because she was a humanitarian – they showed Peter the great works Dorcas had done, which were a testimony to her benevolence.
The result of this miracle was that many people in the region (Joppa) obeyed the gospel. True confirming miracles are believed by all, even unbelievers (Acts 4:16). It produced wonder in the minds of those who beheld it. It opened a door of opportunity for the preaching of the gospel throughout the region.
The above miracle offers several important lessons for Christians today. First, the importance of serving others and having a compassionate heart like Dorcas should be central to a Christian’s life and ministry. Secondly, it showed that God has the power over life and death. Miracle workers are reminded to have strong faith in God’s ability to perform the impossible. Miracle workers should not take the glory for the results of the miracle. A true miracle gives hope and reassurance.
What work will you be remembered for?
Reflections
- Today, there are many fake miracles by many fake “men and women” of God.
Prayer
- Dear Lord, save us from fake men and women of God opening churches everywhere.
Further Reading: Mark 16:20; John 20:25
ESOCS Devotional 5 October 2026
