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Listen, and be led to the still waters
Always Searching, Sometimes Finding
George Martin clr.jpg
Rev. George Martin

Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, had been ill and died. They washed her, and laid her in the room upstairs. Some of the disciples knew Peter was close by, in the city of Lydda; so they sent for him and he came to Joppa.

Peter went up to the room where Tabitha was. All the widows and mourners were gathered there, weeping, and telling Peter of the great works Tabitha had done, the tunics and clothing she had made. Peter first put them all outside. He knelt down and prayed, turned to the body and said, “Tabitha get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. The Lord had heard his prayer.

Peter was a common man of the working class. While in Joppa he stayed in the home of another common man, a tanner named Simon.

John, now old and full of words, in his Revelation, used words with full hyperbole to describe Jesus as the Shepherd, at the center of the throne of God, where he was worshiped day and night. The worshipers knew the one seated on the throne, the Lamb, would shelter them, and provide for them; and guide them to springs of the water of life, where their sufferings would end. They listened and knew they will hunger no more, and thirst no more, for the lamb at the center of the throne heard them. 

John’s Gospel tells how in the winter, before the trial and crucifixion; before the resurrection, Jesus was walking in the Temple, in the portico of Solomon. The Jews gathered around him and said, “If you are Messiah, tell us plainly.” 

Jesus answered, “I have told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me ... The Father and I are one.”

In three scriptures we are told that our actions are to be in response to prayers we offer and requests we make of the Lord, who we know as our Shepherd. We are to listen and act, with faith that He will guide and protect us. We are told in language full of flourishes that the Jesus we call Lord sits with God on His throne, with all the power needed to protect and nurture us to do what he tells us to do. We, the simple worker, or the divine, are to listen and follow Jesus, and, love God with all our heart, mind and soul; and love our neighbors as our self.


The Rev. George O. Martin is an Ordained Deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 17th and Adams, Great Bend. Send email to georgeom@hbcomm.net.