At the very end of Jesus’ earthly sojourn, He promised that those who believe in and follow Him will do miracles even greater than those He had been seen to do (John 14:12). I’m having trouble imagining greater miracles. But let’s at least agree that bringing dead people back to life should be included in the list of wonders accompanying the preaching of His gospel.
Peter knew this. So did the early followers of Jesus. They believed in a God with unlimited power. They counted on it, acted on it. In Acts 9 we read about a disciple named Tabitha. She got sick and died while Peter was nearby in Lydda. A group of believers decided to send for Peter. Two men made the journey. Peter didn’t hesitate to go with them.
But what was he thinking? He’d seen people raised from the dead. He knew it was possible. He was filled with the Spirit of God and had just seen a whole city convert because Jesus Christ used him to heal a man named Aeneas. What would you be thinking if someone came to you because their friend had died?
When Peter arrived, there were some people mourning. We probably shouldn’t rebuke them; no promise had been made that Tabitha would be returned to them – unlike Jesus who had plainly told His disciples what would happen. Peter sent everyone else out of the room, knelt by Tabitha’s washed, lifeless body. And he prayed. Then he commanded. She opened her eyes and got up and was presented to her friends alive. Simple. People had seen and touched a dead woman and now spoke with her, continuing to receive her charity.
To God be all glory.
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