Sleep
Day 519, Monday, Jan. 12
Acts 20:1-12
We don’t often think of humor in the Bible, but once in a while we come across a story that is just amusing—today’s reading has one of those.
When Paul is near the end of his visit to Troas, he preaches late into the night. Many lamps are lit and presumably the room is warm. “Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.”
Paul goes to the young man and apparently restores him to life.
The humor in the story comes from the revelation that even Paul, the greatest evangelist in the history of the world, couldn’t keep his whole audience awake, and the way the author is so brief and matter-of-fact in describing both the tragedy and the miracle, then resumes the narrative like nothing out of the ordinary has happened.
I don’t know if there’s any great truth to be gained from this incident, but I appreciate it for its earthy humanity. Even in days when the church was on fire with the spirit, it was still made up of real people who were subject to fatigue and gravity and all the other human limitations that we are, yet they persevered and thrived.
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Monday meditation
Psalms 61:1-8
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.
Prayer focus
Lord, grant us refuge in your wings, and strength to carry on in spite of our limitations.