Thursday
Today’s story proves there is danger in falling asleep while someone is giving a sermon.
(Just kidding). The story in today’s reading about Eutychus is almost humorous when you think about it. Paul is preaching up a storm, he knows he will be leaving and will not be back. He knows that what he says he wants desperately to stick with these people. And so the night grows very long and with candles burning and the temperature rising in this upper room, a young man, whose name Eutychus finds a little air by sitting in the window. But its been a long day and before he knows it, our young friend falls asleep and unfortunately falls to his death. Now here’s a little irony for you, Eutychus’ name means – fortunate. REALLY!!?!!? (You can’t make this stuff up.) But Paul quickly runs to him and raises him from the dead. How fortunate for Eutychus. Now just in case you were thinking – were they really sure he was dead? Remember Luke – who is a physician – is the one telling this story and he was there. Pretty sure he knew when someone was dead.
So why include this strange little story in the gospel? Well, I think it was to show us that Paul was a true apostle and was given the same gift and authority to raise someone from the dead, just like Peter’s raising of Tabitha (9:36-43) or Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-23), Elisha (2 Kings 4:32 – 37) and of course, Jesus (Luke 8:49-56; John 11). Paul finishes his work here on a high note.
He then sets out for Miletus a city not far from Ephesus and he calls for the elders of the church there so that he can give them what amounts to as a pep talk. He shares some insights for them and some final words of encouragement and charges them to take care of themselves and to take care of the church. Paul leaves them with a very important message – “But life is worth nothing unless I use if for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about God’s might kindness and love.” (vs 24)
The final departure is one of great sorrow and a plea to care for each other.
Isn’t is so true that life truly has little meaning except for eternal work? There is much that happens in our lives – family, work, fun, sorrow, pain, joy…. But the only things that really matter are the things that impact our eternal life.
So.. what are you doing today that will impact your eternal future?
Peace and joy
Pastor Kathy