Tabitha - Clothed with Christ

 By: Carrie Hammye

For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, since you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:27, 28

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha…she was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died.”  Acts 9:36, 37 excerpts

Another beautiful example of a godly woman is Tabitha. She was a disciple who walked with the Lord and used her gifts to make a difference. What were her gifts? She knew how to sew. Tabitha made robes and clothes for the widows of her community. Does this seem like a homely gift compared to powerful evangelistic outreach or raising the dead? Well, people needed what she had to give, and that’s what really mattered.

Widows are a big part of the church community. Today, they have the same legal rights as anyone else. However, in biblical times, widows had no means of support unless family took them in. The system worked well unless the family didn’t like or want the widow or could not afford to care for her. As a result, many widows starved or had to beg on the streets.

Tabitha had a gift and it was what these women needed - good, sturdy clothes. And while she was at it, she provided mentoring to them through her example as a disciple. She had been “clothed with Christ” and she shared that priceless gift along with the physical apparel. 

What a powerful testimony to us - figure out your talents, then use them for God. Oh, and be sure to put the practical part in harness with the even more practical need - the need to be saved and mentored in the faith.

That’s not all - one day this woman herself began to be in need. She became ill and then she died. When the other disciples realized Peter was nearby, they decided to urgently request his presence (Acts 9:38). Perhaps they knew that Aeneas had just been healed of a crippling illness that had left him bedridden for eight years (Acts 9:32-35).

Peter arrived and was met by all the women - weeping and mourning their friend. “All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Tabitha made when she was with them.” (Acts. 9:39) He sent them out of the room, knelt down, and prayed. It says he “gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.” (Acts 9:41).

Can you imagine this incredible moment? These women, women forgotten and scorned by many, saw their mentor and friend come back from the dead. The scripture says, “And it became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.” (Acts 9:42)

Oh, my friends, doesn’t that make you want to DO something! So get out there! Make a robe, dig a ditch, groom a dog, fix a braid, edit a manuscript, make a tent, buy land and renovate it - do what God called you to do. Do it for His glory and give it to those who are in need. You can’t lose when this is how you live.

1. What gifts do you have that you could begin to use for the Lord?

2. Take a moment and dedicate your gifts to God. Do it  out loud! 

3. Make a plan to use one talent you have for the Lord this week.