May 6, 2001

Fourth Sunday of Easter

When the "Good" Die Young

Acts 9:36-43

A song by Billy Joel says, "Only the good die young." I beg to differ. Billy the Kid only made it to 22, John Dillinger, 31, and Alexander the Great conquered the world yet died at 32. Sometimes the reckless and malevolent die young, their lives cut short by their own unfortunate choices.

At the same time, we've all seen tragedy cut short the life of someone with great potential, someone whose relatively few years have already touched the lives of so many. This is the tragedy we sense whenever the "good" die young. Their death leaves a hole within those lives they've touched with acts of loving service. If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, then surely the road to heaven is paved with corresponding acts of Christ-like charity.

I. A fitting epitaph (v. 36)

Our text notes that Tabitha was "always doing good and helping the poor." Will you be missed when you are gone? Will you be missed by those outside your family circle? Will you be missed as much as Tabitha was? Will you leave behind a trail of good deeds?

Upon Peter's arrival, all the widows were crying and showing Peter the robes and other clothing Tabitha had made for them while still alive. Widows were the poor, the destitute of the ancient world. They had no pensions, no social security and no such thing as survivor's benefits. Tabitha had a heart for the hurting, and she consistently used her talents to bless the needy. Will you be missed when you're gone? Will your departure leave a void in the church's ministry?

II. An urgent request (vv. 37-39)

The King James Version says that men were sent to Peter, "desiring him that he would not delay to come to them." The word translated as desiring is the same word used to describe someone who is invoking or beseeching God in prayer. It carries that same sense of urgency of those who come to God in trying times. The NIV thus captures the thought with this quote, "Please come at once."

How fortunate for them that Peter was nearby in Joppa. Rather, we should say how providential. It is not by coincidence that God's people are there for us in times of need. It is not by chance that the right person seems to appear in the moments you most need them.

Imagine, if you would, the urgency of their request. Whenever a loved one has passed on, we too want someone there with us. The parsonage phone has been known to ring at 3:15 A.M. The weary preacher is rousted from his bed and, dressing quickly, heads to the hospital or to the home of a friend. When death has visited we want someone to come and share words of faith. We want someone to reassure us. We need to share our grief with friends and family. There are few requests as urgent as this one. "Please come at once."

I remember one of my professors in seminary stressing, "Upon hearing of a death in the church family, go at once. Nothing takes priority over this."

III. The prayer of faith (vv. 40-43)