THE K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
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shadows. They walk and talk with Him. The print of the nails is in His hand, hut that hand carries the scepter, and all power is manifestly His. There was a stirring time in Lydda when Aeneas walked in the midst as a sign of the power of Jesus Christ to make whole. (c) A Service Commanded. “ Arise and make thy bed.” As he was at home, he was not commanded to carry his bed (Luke 5:24) but he was to make it. He was to prove at once, by his works, the fruit of his faith. A homely, prac tical service was the first thing given him to do. (2) THE RAISING OF DORCAS. “ Tabitha, arise.” There were no newspapers or tele phones in those days, but news spread rapidly and it was noised abroad that Aeneas had been healed. All Joppa knew the news. Joppa is connected with the names of two persons in Scrip ture,— Jonah, who fled from God’s pres ence, not desiring to do His will; and Dorcas, who lived in God’s presence, de lighting to do His will. (a) The Life olf Dorcas: “ Full of good works,” Some people want to do great works, but Dorcas was satisfied to dp good works, and do them well. Works evince character: “ By their fruits ye shall know them.” She had the marks of a disciple (John 15:8): “ Herein is my. Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (Also Rom. 7 :4 ): The Word tells us that we are cre ated in Christ Jesus unto good works, (Eph. 2:10.) We are to be a pattern of good works (Titus 2:7-14). Good works glorify God (Matt. 5:16). “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which , is in Heaven.” (b) The Love of Dorcas: “ Alms deeds.”
Her works were a monument to her mercy. She built her own monument with her needle. She had a heart of love, an eye of pity and a hand that was a slave to both heart and eye. Love is the divine law of the new life. Love is not a sentiment, but a principle. Dorcas was no- dreamer, no visionary. She was, a practical, sensible woman, with a big heart. (Acts 10:38; Gal 5:6; Psa. 41:1.) (c) The Light of Dorcas’ Life: Showing the coats and garments.” A distinguishing characteristic of Chris tianity is that it has lifted woman from her bondage and placed her in a sphere in which she reigns as queen. Dorcas reigned as queen in the hearts and lives of the women of that church, and her noble example has set millions of needles to work and caused the whole church to rise up and call her blessed (Psa. 112:9.) Witness the courage of Peter. Since Christ rose there had been no record of the raising of one from the dead. Peter was with the Lord when the widow's son was raised (Luke 7:13, 14) and alsc at the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Matt. 9:25) and he now believes tha.t the same power will be manifest through him. Three steps were taken by Peter: . 1. Solitude. He shut himself u,p with God and with the body of Dorcas. This is the first step in any great work for God. The world shut out and shu' in with Him; alone with God; learning Him. (2 Kings 4:33.) 2. Solicitude. He earnestly'desired her restoration and so he prayed. True prayer is based on conscious need. (1 Ki. 17:21; John 5:17.) 3. Strength of Faith. “ Tabitha, arise,”— and she opened her eyes. Won derful, mighty miracle, attesting the mighty power of the new way! Her soul returned from heaven (2 Cor. 5:8; Acts 1:11).
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