Acts 9:40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.
Commentary on Acts 9 has given me much to ponder today. In regards to the beginning of verse 40, commentary says: “Yet Peter sensed a specific leading…” so he sent the others out of the room. Towards the end of verse 40, when Peter says, “Tabitha, get up,” which is so reminiscent of Jesus’s actions in Mark 5 and Luke 8, that commentary says, “Peter simply tried to do as Jesus did. Jesus was his leader.”
Acts 9:41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.
Acting on those little “God-nudges” and “simply trying to do as Jesus did”–those are two excellent pieces of advice. Even if those nudges aren’t God-sent, if it leads you closer to God and leads the other person closer to God, God can (and will and does) use it. If in all things we try to “simply do as Jesus did,” our actions will bring us and others closer to Him in the process.
Acts 9:42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.
Precious Savior, Sometimes we try to make life so difficult. Forgive us. Thank You for Peter’s example to listen to Your still small voice, to act in ways we feel You calling us to act, to simply do as You did–love God, love others. Help us to be Your hands and feet and heart in this world. Draw us closer. Amen.
Acts 9:43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
Have a blessed day.