December 21, The Unlikely Person Anonymous

Acts 9:38-41
The disciples sent two men to Peter in Lydda, asking him to come to them immediately. Peter went with them, and they took him to an upstairs room. Peter put the widows outside, knelt down, prayed, and said, “Tabitha, get up”. Tabitha opened her eyes, sat up, and Peter helped her up. He then called the saints and widows to show her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Theme:
The Book of Acts describes the growth of the early Christian church using stories from the Apostles and other early Christian leaders. These stories include the preaching, teaching, miracles, and leadership of some of the most well-known Christians.
In the ninth chapter of the book, we find a different kind of story. It is a story of one dedicated woman, who is described as a disciple known for her good works and acts of charity. The story is unique because it is about a woman, because there are not a lot of details provided about who this woman is, and because of all the people who die in this journey, she one who is given the miracle of resurrection.
The natural question is, why her? It could just as easily be, why us? Given all the people who have lived, and all the generations before this moment, why have we been chosen to receive the gift of this day?

Illustration:
When I was in High School, I tried out for several roles in our semi-annual dramatic productions. Our theater director was fascinated by Gilbert and Sullivan musicals. Despite my repeated tryouts, I was never cast as much more than a background pirate (in The Pirates of Penzance). I wasn’t sure if I wasn’t suited for drama, or if I just wasn’t a fit for Gilbert and Sullivan. In the last production of my junior year, the director
decided that we would do the musical Working instead of Gilbert and Sullivan. I was both excited and nervous to try out. I’d finally get to try something new.

At the audition, I was asked to sing the Happy Birthday song in different styles and read a monologue. I did. After I left, I couldn’t help but feel like I had bombed. The reading was fine, but I hated my vocal audition. I knew many people had tried out and there were more potential actors than parts in this production. I
convinced myself that I didn’t stand a chance.

On Monday morning, the cast list was posted. As I scrolled the list, I found my name and was surprised to discover that I had earned a real role in the production. The sign said my name next to the words, “Role: Al Calinda.” I didn’t know who that was. I later discovered that this character had the stage almost to himself for a chunk of the first act. I had a monologue, a solo, and backup singers.

As we began rehearsal and choreography, there were moments when I felt undeserving. The movements and planning seemed so extensive. I kept thinking, “all of this so that I can have a few minutes on stage in front of the audience.” How did I deserve any of this?

Takeaway:
There are moments in many of our lives where we wonder, why us? How did we get this opportunity? Why have we been blessed in this way? The answer may be as simple as understanding that God sees us differently than we see ourselves. Even if no one else knows who we are, like Tabitha, God finds value in us. God sees enough good in us to give us a stage in front of a crowd of witnesses. God cares enough to send one of his most famous disciples to resurrect us, and Tabitha, from the grave. God loves us enough to send God’s son into the world to redeem us. It may seem unlikely that God would do that for us, but God does. Perhaps we are more valuable than we think.

Prayer:
Powerful God, remind us who you are and that we are your creation. Help us to realize that everything you have made is good, and that includes us. Amen.