QUIET MIRACLES
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Opening Prayer
Father, as I come to your Word today, I thank you for its power to change me, to enable me to overcome my struggles and walk faithfully with you.
Read ACTS 9:32–43
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Aeneas and Dorcas
32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40 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. 41 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. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
Reflect
It is easy to think of the more sensational miracles of Jesus. Is that how we think we should be representing him in this world? Or is there a key role to be played much more quietly?The passage switches from Saul to Peter. In his travels, Peter was also able to offer spectacular ministry. Saul had been preaching boldly in the previous passage, and now we see Peter healing a paralyzed man. This miracle led to the spread of the good news through Lydda and Sharon. But not all ministry has to be so spectacular.
Luke introduces us to Tabitha (Dorcas)—a female disciple of Jesus with a reputation for always doing good and helping people experiencing poverty. When she died, Peter was called to come. The dead woman’s life had made a quiet but real impact on the people around her. Now, Peter raised her to life in a way that seemed to fit how she had lived. He sent the onlookers out and quietly prayed. When he told her to get up, she did. It was a quiet miracle, but it certainly had an impact. Word spread, and many believed in the Lord! Every story in this section seems to end with an encouraging report of gospel growth.
Apply
God does call some to spectacular ministry, but praise God that he also uses the quiet and diligent service of others, like Tabitha. Just because something is quiet does not mean it won’t have a vast, eternal impact! What does ministry in your church look like?
Closing prayer
Wherever you lead me in ministry, Lord Jesus, help me to serve you with humble confidence, knowing that, whatever my calling, you are at work in and through me for eternal good.
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