We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on April 12, 2016.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to hear your voice. Amen. Reading: Acts 9:36-43 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: This is an interesting story, isn’t it? We hear the story about Tabitha/Dorcas and how Peter came and brought her back to life. After I read this story, I have so many questions about it. How was Peter given the power to bring her back to life? Who all witnessed this miracle? What did people say about Peter following the incident? So many questions! But the big question for me is this: Who was this “certain Simon, a tanner.” I want to know about him. Peter stayed in Joppa with him. Was he someone important? Did everyone there know who he was? He is just identified in scripture as “a certain Simon, a tanner.” I don’t think this is just a random fact that was thrown into this story. There has to be a reason he is mentioned. I haven’t had time to research this more fully, but this story reminds me that often as we try to grow in our faith and read the Bible more, we may end up having more questions than answers. Questions are good. Asking them is not a sign of weakness. If we trust in God and listen for God’s voice, we will be shown the answers! -Chad Hershberger
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