Praise & Pray

The stories of the Centurion and Dorcas teach us a lot about the type of Christians we are to be. And if we apply the lessons conveyed, the Lord is sure to do much more than could have even imagined or asked for. He will certainly exceed expectations.

The Centurion had a servant who needed healing from Jesus. And so, he sent some Jewish elders to speak to Jesus on his behalf and they insisted the Savior go and heal the servant. Their basis was that the Centurion had built a synagogue for the Jews and was therefore deserving of the miraculous power of God that He wielded (Luke 7:4-5).

In Acts 9, we learned about Tabitha, who was also known by her Greek name, Dorcas. A believer in Jesus, she'd supported widows by sewing them clothes and helping them in other ways. She passed away and those she'd helped would not take death for an answer. When they learned Peter was in a nearby town they urged him to raise her from the dead.

What do these two individuals have in common? They were people whose kindness and love drew the support and dedication of others. The Centurion was not a Jew and yet he had elders running around to find a solution to his problem. This was a rarity in those times for many reasons. They not only spoke up for someone who served multiple gods, but they also ignored the position of the religious leaders who despised Jesus. They instead pleaded with Him for help.

Similarly, Dorcas was an ordinary woman but her death stirred a community to move in faith for a miracle. They sent messengers to Apostle Peter to urge that the supernatural hand of God move so a dead person was resurrected. All because that woman took care of them. From their perspective, Dorcas deserved another shot at life. If for nothing else, then so that she could keep helping them

The Centurion and Dorcas likely had no idea that their acts of kindness and service would produce the dedication and commitment it did in their time of trouble. Nor did they realize that their actions would move God Himself to act on their behalf. Notice, Jesus healed the Centurion's servant and Dorcas was raised from the dead. The supporters of the Centurion and Dorcas displayed insistence coupled with respect for the Lord and their approach was well rewarded.

We Christians need to be like the Centurion and Dorcas - people whose acts of genuine  kindness and love garnered support and dedication. We need to be the type of people whose godly works drive people to God in faith, even if it is just to help us. After all, Jesus taught us the Royal Law and told us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Wouldn't we want to be helped when we are struggling? He also told us to care for others and give to those in need (Luke 6:30).

The Centurion, Dorcas, and indeed others in the Bible, show that those who give with a pure heart will be rewarded by God. These people didn't gather support because they were committing sin or encouraging others to satisfy their flesh. And to be like them, neither should we. We should remember, however, that when His children call on Him to move for a godly person, a miracle takes place. May we be the sort whose God-fearing behavior and acts of service to others not only brings people closer to the Lord but also brings us help and support in our time of need. IJMN, Amen.

As you wait for fellowship at 12 Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. To want or to give? That is the question

2. The Cornelius Blessing

3. The Answered Prayers You Don't See

4. Don't Grumble & Don't Complain

5. The Promises You Won't See

6. Our Responsibility To The Future

7. The Impact of Your Relationship With God

8. Faith and The Centurion Worldview

9. The Children's Bread

10. Are You Bitter?

11. How To Approach God

12. Pray, Don't Rant

13. Shameless Audacity

14. Topic: Righteousness

15. Topic: Fear of the Lord