Who is Coming to Your Funeral?

GETTING STARTED

We don’t like the thought of going to a funeral, and we like the thought of our own funeral even less. Many of us spend hours and income trying to maximize the days of our lives. We focus on how we look, feel, and do versus who we meet, teach, and love. But have you considered that the life you live now will be reflected in the attendance at your funeral? Will people come to your funeral because you interacted with them, or will they come because you impacted them and brought Christ into their lives?

  • How often is your motive to be fully used by God each day, as opposed to just living each day to the fullest?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 9:36-43 (ESV)

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.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. This passage speaks of “they” who washed Tabitha, laid her in the upper room, and sent for Peter. Who were “they”?
  2. What do we know about Tabitha’s character (vs. 36), and how do the response of the disciples and the testimony of the widows reinforce this?
  3. What actions did Peter take that resulted in Tabitha being brought back to life (vs. 40)?
  4. After witnessing this miraculous event, whom did people of Joppa put their belief in (vs. 42)?
  5. Whose lives are you impacting—in a way that brings life and faith in Jesus to them?

RESPOND TO GOD

Threaded throughout the book of Acts are stories of the Holy Spirit at work bringing life and growing the church. Jesus’ disciples had been sent out by him to heal the sick, raise the dead, and bring new life. In this case, it was Peter who was called upon to command Tabitha to arise, just as Jesus himself had done for Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:51-56). Peter did not seek out this woman to heal; he came to Joppa in response to the urgent call of the widows she cared for and the disciples with whom she served. The power of the Holy Spirit caused Tabitha to be physically brought back to life, and through this miracle many others were brought out of spiritual death.

  • Pray for opportunities to reach your hand out, just as Peter did, and extend an offering of new life in Jesus.