"Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord."

Acts 9:40-42

The stories of the healing of the paralytic Aeneas and the raising of the beloved Dorcas both demonstrate how the power of the name of Jesus Christ breaks into a world in which history seemed to be closed, and suffering and death were realities which had to be accepted and endured. Here, we have two examples of extreme human tragedy, affecting both men and women!

The healing miracles of Peter challenged the order of the fallen world in which paralytics and poor widows were left without hope; suffering and early death were simply realities to be endured. The name of Jesus released the power of the resurrection into that closed world, opening it up for the blessings of that time and bringing healing and hope to the broken-hearted. Passengers waiting today to board flights from Israel which cross continents in hours will probably be ignorant of the miracles that took place close to where they sit, but in a modern world skeptical about transcendence, the transforming power of the risen Christ is needed more than ever before.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, help me to have an active part in what you are doing in the lives of people today. Help me to be more sensitive to those around me and to be willing to act in ways that bring you glory.

(Edited from Encounter with God)