 The following devotional is intentionally written to illustrate common missteps in Bible study. Before you dive into Quill’s devotional, take a moment to think about a few things. Notice which of Quill’s repeated words or ideas actually appear in Acts 9:36–43. As you read, see what actions the devotional suggests lead to healing, revival, or miracles. Also consider whether the passage presents those actions as causes or simply as events surrounding God’s work. Pay attention to the outcomes Quill expects for believers today. Keeping these questions in mind will help you practice careful, thoughtful reading and grow in discernment. Devoted Dorcas Part 3 By Quill Meanwell We have spent a couple days now learning about Dorcas, the disciples, and the widows. They experienced a miracle and we can too! Read the passage again and look for the hints of healing and restoration. Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. Acts 9:36-43 Dorcas was alive! They all saw her -- Peter, the saints, the widows. The word spread quickly, and soon all of Joppa knew what Peter had done! Dorcas had a second chance at life. The weeping widows had their mourning changed to dancing. But the miracle didn’t stop there. Joppa experiences a revival! Many believed and Peter stayed to keep the flames of revival burning. Dorcas was dead. She was physically healed. Because of Dorcas’ resurrection, the town experienced a spiritual revival. How did this happen? Let’s look at the story closely. The friends washed Dorcas’s dead body. This was not a pleasant task, and yet they served the one who had served them. The disciples realized that they couldn’t fix the problem on their own. They asked for help from Peter. The widows were weeping.They showed Peter evidence of Dorcas’ faithful ministry. Peter knelt, and prayed. We all need healing -- maybe physical, maybe spiritual, maybe both. Our hearts, our town, our country, our world needs a revival. We can serve like Dorcas’s friends did. We can stoop into unpleasant places of service and provide cleansing for those who need it. We need to remember that we can’t expect to get healing on our own. We work together with others who are humble and have faith. We kneel in prayer and can confidently look for revival to come. Service, cooperation, and prayer will produce miracles in our life. We can expect things “beyond all that we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:19) if we minister together and pray humbly. We can see that Quill gives us the larger passage and encourages us to read it in full again. Reading a Bible passage repeatedly is an effective part of observing what the Bible says. Since we've read the passage a few times now, we'll probably easily notice how Quill goes beyond what the Scripture actually says. Quill keeps pulling on our heartstrings by using words like healing and revival. We don’t see those words in the text.
With careful consideration we can see that Quill seems to imply that the widows, disciples, and Peter were the ones who made the miracle happen and caused a revival. Sure, the Bible talks about sacrificial service, unity, and humble prayer in other places. But Acts 9 doesn't actually say these things are required for healing or revival. The author even pulls in Ephesians 3:19 to suggest we should expect amazing, supernatural results from serving and praying. Making these actions the prerequisite for healing or revival can easily slip into promoting a "prosperity gospel." When we expect our actions result in an instant, visible blessing from God, it's like treating Him like a genie. God can heal and revive, absolutely, but He doesn't need our service or prayers to perform miracles. These words tug at our hearts because as believers we all long for the time when death, sickness, and sin are wiped away. We may see glimpses of healing and revival before the new heavens and the new earth are a reality. However, neither Acts 9 nor Ephesians 3:19 were written so that we could expect these as guaranteed experiences here and now. As we read all of the New Testament, we see that Peter, Paul, and other apostles and disciples endured physical trials and persecution without immediate relief. Stephen, James, Peter, and Paul died like Dorcas did. Their hope was not in doing the right things or praying in the right way to get blessings. Their hope was in the promise of their future resurrection. As we engage with Christian resources, when a devotional stirs strong emotions, it is helpful to take a moment to check whether the application comes from what Scripture says. We can discover practical applications to Scripture from faithful observation, rather than from emotional pull. Dorcas’s resurrection reminds us that God has the final word over death, loss, and disappointment, and our ultimate hope is in Christ. Just as the widows, disciples, and Peter played different roles in God’s work, we can live out our faith together—encouraging one another, serving faithfully, and trusting God to accomplish what only He can do. Even if we don’t see immediate results, we can take comfort in His power and the promise of resurrection, knowing that our faithful participation in community points others toward Him.
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 The following devotional is written by a fictitious character to illustrate common missteps in Bible study. You can find Part 1 of the Devoted Dorcas series in the Learning Discernment category on the blog. As you read this devotional, notice the instructions Quill gives before the Bible passage. Consider how the introduction and commentary use feelings or emotions to shape what we take away from the text. Pause to think through how Scripture is observed and interpreted in the devotional. Look for the main purpose of the text, and notice how—or if—Quill points us toward the gospel. Devoted Dorcas Part 2 By Quill Meanwell Today we will continue to learn from the story of Dorcas and Peter. As you read this passage again, imagine how you would feel if you were the widows, the disciples, and Peter. Be present with your feelings and allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with peace and light. Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. Acts 9:36-43 We are told about a woman named Tabitha, or Dorcas. We don’t learn much about her before tragedy hits. This was a sad time for the widows in Joppa. They were devastated by the loss of a loved one. What are memories of a friend or loved one that you treasure? Do you remember them for the ways they served others or for their personal successes? Often our obituaries are a resume of achievements. In our mourning we remember how they overcame obstacles and inspired us to achieve our goals. In contrast, the example of the weeping widows in Acts 9 reminds us to look back at how others have served well, rather than their personal successes. The disciples knew that Peter could help. They knew that he had healed others, so perhaps they thought that he could at least offer comfort and hope to Dorcas’ grieving friends. They didn’t waste time sending someone to find Peter. Is this our default response when we see someone grieving? Do we look for resources that can help them? Or do we offer a quick condolence and go on with our day? “Thoughts and prayers” are nice, but concrete action speaks louder. When we grieve, we can follow the example of the weeping widows and the determined disciples. As the devotional begins, Quill asks us to consider how we would feel and expect a positive, harmonious result from our time spent studying the passage. Emotions are created by God; they are not inherently sinful. However, because of the effects of sin, we need to be careful of putting too much emphasis on emotions for guiding our Scripture reading. We can use Scripture and prayer to guide our thoughts so that we then respond correctly with emotions and actions that glorify God.
If we compare this Devoted Dorcas devotional to the first one, we see that Quill jumps quickly to application without any further observation or interpretation. The feelings that have been stirred in us through the introductory comments lead Quill to draw out applications based on our empathy with the mourners in the story. The challenges Quill gives are valid ways to respond biblically to the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, this application pulls our focus away from the main intent of the passage. We notice that this devotional moves quickly to engage our emotions by talking about how we grieve. But Acts 9 does not present the widows primarily as a model for godly grieving. Rather, Luke records this miracle to highlight God’s power and the way it validates the gospel message that Peter and the disciples were spreading. Dorcas’s resurrection points beyond the story itself to the greater hope we have in Christ. We can take comfort in this truth, knowing the Christ defeated sin and death through his life, death, and resurrection. When we grieve, we do not grieve hope. Just as He used Peter to bring life and show His glory, we can live in hope, serve others, and rely on Him in every situation, knowing that His promises are true. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV  Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with a long-term health condition. One sleepless night, my unwelcome companion sent me a letter—and naturally, I replied. To whom it may concern: Congratulations! You have been selected to be the host for (insert name of chronic condition here). You will begin to experience many or all of these symptoms — and may even deal with several of them at the same time. --pain. We are equal opportunity destroyers, therefore we will choose many places for you to experience pain. We have even devised many different types of pain -- aching, stabbing, throbbing, tingling, burning, gripping, or cramping. We are continually improving our repertoire of pain categories, so updates are to be expected. --dizziness (this can be accompanied by nausea, mental confusion, ringing in the ears, vomiting, loss of coordination, and sensations of spinning, rocking, or shaking). We try to simulate the experience of riding a never-ending roller coaster to satisfy your adventurous spirit. No safety harnesses required, and you have no choice of when the coaster ride starts, ends, or how fast it goes. --extreme fatigue (Now remember, this is not just being "tired"). We will suddenly "pull your plug", so to speak, and you will have NO energy at all. Even dressing or taking a shower will be too daunting of a task for you to complete. And because we like surprises, we will NOT give you any advance warning, so you could be in the middle of the grocery store, at work, playing with your kids, or trying to clean the house. --forgetting, losing, dropping things. (These are just a few of the perks of your condition. You will learn to expect them, but never to enjoy them). In addition to the symptoms above, we also want to eliminate some things from your crowded lifestyle. Here are a few of the things which will be taken away from you now that you are chosen to have a chronic condition: --the ability to stand or walk for longer than 15 minutes without experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, knees, or legs --the ability to sit for longer than 10 minutes without experience cramping in your legs and butt, or shooting pains in your back --the ability to complete any task which requires more than 10 minutes of concentration, multi-step activities and long-term projects will take 2-3 times longer --the ability to play and run with your children like you did before --the ability to accumulate sick days at work to earn the perfect attendance bonus As indicated previously, this condition is in constant flux and more symptoms will be added as we deem necessary. There is no warranty, guarantee, technical support, or customer service available. Sincerely, Your chronic condition Dear My chronic condition: I would like to clarify that, while you may wreak havoc on my body, and maybe even confuse my thoughts -- you cannot have my heart or my soul. You cannot take my faith, my hope, or my love. There are some good things you have given me. --strengthened prayer life --increased dependence on God's strength, rather than my own --abundant delight in God's word --renewed friendship with a wonderful friend from childhood --more opportunities to speak about my Savior, Lord, and Best Friend --appreciation for every precious moment I am given --growth in character, perseverance, and hope --inspiration for writing to help others --more compassion for others who are suffering These gifts have come at a price because of the obstacles you have put in my path, but I will go over them or around them. In fact, while I am overcoming them, I will stop for a moment to reflect upon the mountain I am climbing. The path may be rough and uncertain, but God is sustaining me. When I need to rest, I will look back to see how God is working through my suffering. On the good days, I will take advantage of every precious moment. On the bad days, I will cling to the certain hope of no pain or tears in the new heaven and the new earth. Sincerely, ME Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Romans 5:3-4  15 degrees outside. 10 MPH winds. Real feel of 4 degrees. Cloudy, gray skies. An inch of snow and slush on the roads. Perfect conditions for a walk outdoors, right?
I didn’t want to add layers and go outside to walk. I really wanted to stay inside. But I knew I should get some exercise and I was tired of using the treadmill. So I reluctantly put on the bulky winter gear and dragged myself outdoors. “Just for ten minutes,” I told myself. “Around the block and then back to my cozy house to curl up with a book.” I started walking and used the words to the songs playing on my headphones to distract myself from the cold, the wind, the wet road, and the lack of sunshine. The worship music improved my mood, and I started noticing what was around me. As I stopped focusing on myself, I saw reminders of God, his creation, his providence, and the gospel. I noticed that the grass was hidden and the trees were bare, but remembered the snow is a source of water that helps bring new life in the spring. In the same way, we may not be able to perceive how God is working, but his purposes will succeed. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 The fresh, white snowflakes landing on the ground were a visible reminder that Yahweh has cleansed us from sin and unrighteousness. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7 Then I noticed the dirty tire tracks and slush that marred the beauty of the fallen snow. These were a stark reminder that we still experience the effects of sin. We live in the “already, not yet” -- through Christ’s work on the cross, we have been freed from the power of sin. However, we still struggle and suffer with brokenness that is our present reality. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. Romans 8:19-22 I didn’t notice the wind much until I turned to walk back home. The force of the wind pushed me back and whipped around me loudly. I recalled the account in Acts 2 when they heard a sound like a mighty wind and saw what appeared to be tongues of fire. These sights and sounds were signs of the Holy Spirit indwelling them. This recollection prompted me to thank God for the role of the Holy Spirit in our salvation. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 As I continued walking, I began to look forward to the comforts that awaited me when I returned home. The thoughts renewed my longing for the “not yet” -- the time when darkness, sin, death, and suffering will end. The fleeting troubles that we experience now will be wiped away and we will flourish eternally in the new heavens and the new earth. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self[d] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 These seemingly undesirable conditions were like caffeine for my soul. Ten minutes around the block ended up being a half hour of prayer, meditation, and praise. It was still cold, windy, and dismal outside -- that hadn’t changed. My perspective had changed. God in his sovereignty had provided what I needed even more than fresh air and exercise - tangible reminders of who He is and what He has done. |
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