David Bahn – Reflections

Acts 9:32-43

Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, 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 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

I happen to have been given a very favorable biblical name. David, in the Bible is described as a man after God’s heart. I would hope for such a description, and am happy to have the same name as the Bible’s David. Aeneas, or Tabitha/Dorcas, however are not as well known. I don’t know anyone named for either of these Bible characters (though someone might). In fact, it would be very much an honor to be named for either. For the one was an example of God’s great, miraculous and powerful work, while the other was an example of godliness, love and good works to be followed. The healing of Aeneas was a catalyst for faith. Dorcas was an example of faith in action, and much loved and respected for it.

How might we best claim the name “Christian” (which means, Little Christ)? How might we live out our faith or see God’s work in us as an opportunity to bring glory to God or people to faith? We may be relative nobodies. We may have little worldly influence. We may never be named in a book – much less the Bible, the Word of God. But we can enjoy the favor of God in whatever eddy or pool of life we find ourselves. As we do, God can glorify himself in us, and that’s a very good thing.

Who knows, some day someone may mention us in a book. But the greatest honor is not so much that we’re known as somebody, but that God displays his faithfulness, goodness, grace, truth and love in our lives. That is a rich and delightful honor!