David Bahn – Reflections

Click here for an audio version of this devotion.

I am using readings from the 49 Week Bible Challenge as the basis for these devotions. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are Acts 9; 2 Kings 8; Isaiah 17; Jeremiah 40; 41.

Acts 9:36-43

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.

Saul will take the name Paul only when he begins his mission work among the gentiles – not because of. or just after his conversion. Ananias is sent to Saul after his conversion, but knows of Saul’s reputation. He’s not so keen to go to heal Saul. God intercedes directly with Ananias in behalf of Saul. Then comes the Son of Encouragement, Barnabas (that’s what his name means). Barnabas intercedes in behalf of Saul, introducing him to the Apostles and urging them to receive him as a true brother in the faith.

Peter (Rock Man) shows God’s grace to Aeneas, healing him on his visit to Lydda. Then he comes to Joppa to a sister in the faith, Tabitha, “whose name means Dorcas.” Luke tells us that, “She was full of good works and acts of charity.” She had died and the disciples there sent for Peter in her behalf. Peter takes her by the hand, and raises her up. The people are encouraged, and Luke recounts, “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.”

Saul, Barnabas, Aeneas, Tabatha/Dorcas, and Simon the tanner are all named in Acts 9. Of all those, the names of two of them catch my attention. Barnabas has been my favorite for years. He truly lives up to his name, Son of Encouragement. He encouraged the Apostles to receive Saul, and certainly Saul when he sets out on his first missionary journey with Barnabas. He will later even remain so encouraging that he and Paul will split because Barnabas will stick with Mark when Paul refuses to include him on a missionary journey.

I’ve thought (wrongly) that the name Dorcas was a dorky name. How wrong I was! It is a graceful name. Dorcas/Tabitha means Gazelle, a graceful antelope-like animal. Her gracefulness showed through her creations of tunics and garments.

All this to remember the name that is above every name. At the name Jesus every knee will bow in heaven and earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” (cf. Philippians 2:10-11). Because of the likes of the Rock Man, The Son of Encouragement, and graceful Gazelle’s throughout the ages Jesus’ name will be praised.