IN REMEMBRANCE OF DORCAS

ACTS 9:3

A. FAMOUS WOMEN OF THE BIBLE
  1. Jochebed, Moses' mother: Ex. 2:1-10
  2. Ruth: Ruth 1:16
  3. Esther: Esth. 4:16
  4. Tabitha called Dorcas:
B. IN REMEMBRANCE OF DORCAS
  1. The story of Dorcas is full of pathos and inspiration:
    1. She was full of good works.
    2. And almsdeeds which she did.
  2. She occupied herself:
    1. Not to gratify self-interest;
    2. Not to accumulate material wealth or fame;
    3. But to relieve suffering; to aid the poor.
    4. She worked for those, who were unable to compensate her for her labor.
    5. In all this she emulated her Lord and Master;
    6. And came to live a life of service without compensation by men.
  3. The church of God, in all ages, has been blessed by the life of Dorcas:
  4. It brought into being:
    1. The inspiration of Christian women to follow her example in working for the poor and unfortunate.
    2. That brought our Dorcas Society into being and into prominence in our organization.
    3. This blessed Advent Movement has been made that much more useful and prominent by the unselfish ministry of thousands of dedicated Christian women.
  5. The humble ministry of Sister Dorcas indicates:
    1. That living for others is the highest virtue anyone can aspire to.
    2. No effort by men can give the satisfaction as does the unselfish and loving ministry for the needy.
    3. This is made very evident by our Lord's words as recorded in Matt. 25:34-40
C. BLESSING OF THE MEMORY OF SISTER DORCAS
  1. God did for her what He, to the best of my knowledge, did not do for the greatest preacher in the church:
    1. He raised her from the dead - Acts 9:40
    2. I know of no preacher that was brought back to life to continue his service, as was Dorcas.
    3. That, in itself, is thought provoking to any believer of God's Word.
  2. What is important in our consideration of the memory of Dorcas is:
    1. That the convincing argument for her resurrection is not found -
      1. In sentimentalism or human emotion.
      2. Not because she wanted to live a little longer, as Hezekiah did; but the fruit of her labor and its need for the poor was sufficient for God to honor the prayer of Peter and those standing by.
    2. "and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them" - Acts 9:39
    3. This is, dear friends, what counts on the glorious resurrection morning -- deeds of mercy and unselfishness!
    4. Living for others is the mark of true piety.
    5. That is what will count in the judgment - 2 Cor. 5:10
  3. A word of encouragement to our sisters, who immortalize the memory of Dorcas:
    1. You may never come into the limelight of the world by reason of oratory or other exceptional talent.
    2. You may never be extolled by anyone, but those almsdeeds will speak more convincingly on the day when the reward for faithfulness will be given to you.
    3. I sincerely hope and pray that the original purpose of the Dorcas Society to work for the poor will never be lost sight of by you and the church of God.


Design © John Bryant 2011