Day 68 - The Gazelle

The lectionary readings for today include the 23rd psalm and the passage in John 10 about Jesus looking after his sheep. Which preacher would instead choose to preach on Acts 9:36-43 or Revelation 7:9-17?

The story in Acts is tricky – a woman raised from the dead – how do we explain this to a modern congregation? I deliberately used the word “woman” – keeping her anonymous for a moment – as this female is not only named but named twice: Tabitha, Dorcas, which both mean ‘gazelle’. I identify with Dorcas, as I too make clothes and blankets for the poor, among other charitable acts. I have also been rescued from death, not only by the prayers of many but also due to the advances made in tackling myeloma – a blood cancer. Just twenty years ago I would not have been successfully treated; today the hope of all in my myeloma support group is that we live with myeloma long enough to die of something else. There is even talk in the USA of downgrading myeloma from a terminal disease to a chronic condition.

Whether we, as people of the 21st century, believe Tabitha was dead or perhaps only in a coma, does not detract from the message of the passage: she was restored to continue her good works – by prayer. The news that Tabitha lived was enough to bring many to believe in God.

I am not the only person who has been rescued from the jaws of death but each person who has had a miraculous recovery needs to challenge him/herself with the question: why? Why was my treatment successful? I have been given a new lease of life, but what for? How do I serve the Lord NOW?

Revelation 7:9-17 is part of John’s vision where all in Heaven were praising God and Jesus. We can accept that. But then John is asked: “Who are these dressed in white robes, and where did they come from?”

Why was John challenged in this way? Simply so the answer could be given?

The elder finishes his explanation with these words: “The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes.” (The Message)

While this meshes nicely with the Gospel reading and Psalm 23, how does it fit with the verses from Acts? The widows who worked with Dorcas were bereft at her death; their tears were wiped away when she was restored to them. But ultimately Dorcas will die again, as will all the widows. Perhaps they needed this reminder of their human frailty – that our time on this earth is limited.

Father God, we long for the day when there will be no more tears of sadness and when all will be restored to your loving arms.

Jesus, we thank you for all who have been healed and restored to their communities to continue working for you.

Holy Comforter, we ask your strength and support in all we do, both for you and for the needy on this earth. Amen.

Elaine Kinchin