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 ESV, bold mine)

I was reading this a few weeks ago and decided to look up the names.

In my new slow Bible reading approach, I have much more time to look at the actual construction of the words and search for hidden treasures.

Let me say first that the Bible doesn’t only say what it says at first. What? The scriptures are inspired (breathed) by God. In the same way that He breathed life into our bodies he breathes life into His word. And just like the body, on the surface it’s very functional and useful, but underneath it is a complex, detailed, meticulously crafted design… full of things you wouldn’t find, unless you we’re looking. That’s how the Bible is. Full of hidden treasures, secrets, and special meanings. I have been searching for these treasures through the meaning of names… this is nothing new… in the original languages of the Bible people understood these meaning.

So…

In the above passage I found something very comforting.

The name Tabitha means gazelle. The gazelle is one of the fastest animals in the animal kingdom. The cheetah is faster, but it’s speed come in a quick burst. The gazelle can maintain these high speeds for an extended period of time. It stays fast for a long time. In other words, it works hard nonstop.

Then the name Dorcas (which is important because everything is in the scripture for a reason) means the SAME THING… gazelle.

So we see here that Tabitha worked hard nonstop, and worked even more. Works and more works. We even see that evidenced in the next sentence she was FULL of good works and acts of charity. Full meaning no room for anything else. She was at capacity… and then some!

So, in those days… the days that she was working nonstop… she becomes ill and dies. Why? Because our works bring us to the end of ourselves. We can’t save ourselves by our own strength.

So the disciples are near and they call them over to help. As soon as Peter comes in there are widows showing him all the good works Tabitha has done. They are literally showing him things that she made for them. They act as if these good works will gain the favor to bring her back from the dead. But what does Peter do? He sends them away. Why? Because our works can’t give us life. It is by grace through faith that we receive the free gift of righteousness.

Peter then speaks to her, telling her to rise. She looks at him and he extends his hand. What is the hand? The hand is a Biblical symbol of ministry. The hand serves through the grace of God (the 5 fingers). And when she received his hand (see the word gave) she was raised up. Up is a symbol in the scripture of people going towards God, progressing in their faith.

Then he presents her alive.

So…

It doesn’t matter how hard you work, it can’t save you. At some point, if you work out of your own being it may even kill you. We labor of love at the extension of our faith. Work need to be a product of faith, not a means to gain God’s favor. When we receive the free gift of righteousness extended to us, we will be raised (not raise ourselves) toward God. God draws those who fully depend on Him. God doesn’t help those who help themselves… God helps those who see they can’t do anything for themselves that hasn’t been given by God.