Sermon Starter | 5.12.19 | Acts 9:36-43

If this is your first time reading these Sermon Starters, this link may be helpful to orient you.

Biblical: 

What is happening contextually?

Acts 9 begins with the improbable conversion of Saul (vs 1-19). Saul goes on to preach and build a strong reputation as an evangelist. In verse. 32, Peter heals Aeneas miraculously in Jesus name in a place called Lydda.  In the text for this week, Peter heals Tabitha (Dorcas) from death to life. After his miraculous healing, verse 42 shares that many believed in the Lord after her healing.

Who are the major players?

Tabitha (Dorcas) - she was a disciple who lived in Joppa. She was famous for her benevolent works (vs. 36). 

The Disciples - unnamed disciples caught wind that Peter was nearby and sent word for Peter to come. 

Peter - True to the Peter we know in the Gospels, Peter is quick to react. There is clear imagery in this healing story of Peter performing a miracle very similar to Jesus miraculous healing stories.

All the Widows - these were the people who were demonstrably mourning. We might imagine that these were some of the same people who ended up believing in the Lord after Dorcas miracle.  

Simon, a tanner - in these few verses, we know very little about Simon the tanner. I can’t help but wonder the significance of his inclusion. 

Theological

I can’t help but begin with this question, why was Dorcas chosen to be raised from what looked like death? Was it because of her devotion to “good works and acts of charity?” (vs 36b). What if we pull this thread for the pious, we may stumble upon some serious theological implications…God blessing and loving the pious above others may lead to a damaging and dangerous theology.

Another ribbon we may pull is to celebrate Peter’s faith that has developed and made great strides from when he first met Jesus. Peter was the one who was often portrayed as brash, fast acting and made many many mistakes in the Gospel accounts. Here, Peter’s learning moves full circle as he performs a miracle in Joppa that he witnessed Jesus perform countless times.

Finally, a third thread that might be interesting to explore the theological power of our expectations. What were the Disciples expecting when they sent word for Peter? (vs. 38).  What about the countless and nameless who believed in the Lord after Tabitha’s healing. What might it mean for the masses to witness something as sacred as raising one of their own to life? Are there other places in the Scriptures where we can find how the people in Joppa grew in their faith?

Relevance

If you are reading this blog, chances are that you heard that famous theological communicator Rachel Held Evans died on May 4th. She died at the tender age of 37 and leaves behind her husband and very young children. I can’t help but wonder…why was Tabitha healed in the Scripture passage and someone amazing  like Rachel Held Evans (RHE) not? Why do miracles happen for some and not others? What does this say about our understanding of God and God’s work in our world?

I remember reading her blog for the first time. Her way she crafted her words and challenged closed minded theologians both challenged my evangelical upbringing and invited me to reflect deeper about my faith and why it all matters. The first time I met Rachel Held Evans (RHE), I remember stammering my words trying to explain to her what an immense impact she had on my theology and faith. Her writings, tweets and passion for her faith blended with her wit, bravery and awkwardness told me in a thousand ways that faith in process is still an act of faith.

Like many of you, my social media feeds were flooded with stories and pictures of lives that were touched and changed because of Rachel Held Evans. As a preacher and teacher, I encourage you to reflect on how we as a community are processing how a lay person with the gift of writing…a mother and spouse could shift and challenge our theological worlds in such a positive and powerful way. Who will take the mantle by letting their informing and evolving faith invite others to come with their passion and awkwardness? Like so many of her writings, I don’t want to finish this blog with a closed door, rather how do we open doors for the Holy Spirit to do what God does best?

It’s your turn, what are the nuances in this weeks sermon that are grasping your imagination? Please feel free to share in the comments below. 

Peace be with you as you prepare your sermon this week.