Imitating Jesus

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. Acts 9:36-42 (KJV)

When I read this passaage, I am struck by the similairities of this situation to the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. I believe when Peter was presented with this situation, he remembered Jesus resurrecting the young girl. After all, Peter was one of the few people to witness that miracle first hand. In the same way that Jesus did, Peter sent the others from the room. It is likely that this was to remove the doubters from the immediate vicinity. Peter prayed and then he spoke to the dead woman and commanded her to rise. This too, is similar to what Jesus did. And Peter got the same results that Jesus did. This is because Peter believed what Jesus told His disciples.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12 (KJV)

The Bible says that God is no respecter of persons. If we believe what He has told us in His Word, we can have the same results that Peter and Jesus did. Yes, we can cast out demons, heal the sick, and raise the dead. As a matter of fact, Jesus has told us to do those very things.

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8 (KJV)

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17-18 (KJV)

If Peter could simply believe what Jesus said that His followers could do- and then do it- so can we. When we get in the Word and spend time in prayer, our faith will grow and the anointing for miracles will manifest. God will lead us to situations where people need a touch from God. He may direct us to raise dead people or simply speak life to dead situations. Regardless, we are the carriers of the anointing of God. So, like Peter, let’s be imitators of Jesus and do the same works He did- and more.