Read Galatians 3:26 - 4:7
Context: The Galatians were Jewish believers. They have been trying to live a Christian life, but their Jewish roots are very strong and they keep returning to the law for direction on how to live. Some of their leaders are integrating the two and requiring adherance to at least a portion of the law. Paul has been admonishing them for this.
Text:
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 4
1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba,[i] Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Galatians 4:6 Aramaic for Father
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This is a fun passage...when taken out of context you can use it to remind your children that they are but slaves! This hasn't really worked for me, but I like to pretend it could.
The concept of clothing myself with Christ is so visual. On any given day there is a wide range of outfits I can choose (despite that old feeling of 'there's nothing to wear). I can go casual, dressy, or in shabbier clothes that are appropriate for garden work. Like most women I want to wear items that hide or at least minimize my flaws.Regardless of what I choose, the world will make judgements and assumptions about me based on the clothes that I wear.
Putting on Christ is very similar. On any given day I can choose to clothe myself fully in him, reflecting his love and grace throughout the day. Or I can choose to show a weak version of him to the world, only calling on him when I have a problem and trying to make it on my own for the rest of the day. When I put on his full glory, he hides all my flaws so people notice him instead of me. When I don't, my sinful nature shines through loud and clear.
What are you wearing today?
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
May 24 - Alive in Christ
Read Col 2:6- 15
Context: The church in Colossia was being diverted by those who were strongly steeped in Jewish tradition and the Gnostics, who believed they had the secret knowledge that would get them into Heaven. In this letter, Paul is setting them straight.
Text:
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature,[a] not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature,[b] God made you[c] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[d] (NIV)
Footnotes:
Colossians 2:11 Or the flesh
Colossians 2:13 Or your flesh
Colossians 2:13 Some manuscripts us
Colossians 2:15 Or them in him
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Isn't it great that Christ is enough? We don't have to follow a strict code of law and we don't have to hunt for some secret code...Christ has taken care of all of that by coming to earth and giving us the answers.I don't want to sin, and there are lots of guidelines that help us understand what sin is, but when I fail Christ is there to pick me up, dust me off, and send me on the right path again.
Context: The church in Colossia was being diverted by those who were strongly steeped in Jewish tradition and the Gnostics, who believed they had the secret knowledge that would get them into Heaven. In this letter, Paul is setting them straight.
Text:
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature,[a] not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature,[b] God made you[c] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[d] (NIV)
Footnotes:
Colossians 2:11 Or the flesh
Colossians 2:13 Or your flesh
Colossians 2:13 Some manuscripts us
Colossians 2:15 Or them in him
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Isn't it great that Christ is enough? We don't have to follow a strict code of law and we don't have to hunt for some secret code...Christ has taken care of all of that by coming to earth and giving us the answers.I don't want to sin, and there are lots of guidelines that help us understand what sin is, but when I fail Christ is there to pick me up, dust me off, and send me on the right path again.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
May 23 - Running for the Gospel
Read Acts 8:26-40
Context: The church was beginning to be persecuted, and Stephen the apostle has been stoned to death. Many of the believers have been scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip has been spending his time sharing the gospel with the Samarians, and because of his teaching a very popular sorcerer has become a believer.
Text:
26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the roadÍÕhe desert roadÍÕhat goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a]eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
33In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."[b]
34The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"[c] 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Acts 8:27 That is, from the upper Nile region
Acts 8:33 Isaiah 53:7,8
Acts 8:36 Some late manuscripts baptized?" 37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Philip must have been in pretty good shape to run along side a chariot and still talk without being too out of breath. I wish God would send someone along each time I have a question about the Bible!
Context: The church was beginning to be persecuted, and Stephen the apostle has been stoned to death. Many of the believers have been scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip has been spending his time sharing the gospel with the Samarians, and because of his teaching a very popular sorcerer has become a believer.
Text:
26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the roadÍÕhe desert roadÍÕhat goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a]eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
33In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."[b]
34The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"[c] 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Acts 8:27 That is, from the upper Nile region
Acts 8:33 Isaiah 53:7,8
Acts 8:36 Some late manuscripts baptized?" 37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Philip must have been in pretty good shape to run along side a chariot and still talk without being too out of breath. I wish God would send someone along each time I have a question about the Bible!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
May 22 - Just Like Jesus
Read Matthew 3:13-17
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Several years ago I attended the Bat Mitzvah of my daughters' friend. It was held during the Feast of Tabernacles and we were able to sit in on a Jewish synagogue service. The rabbi shared the history and traditions of the festival, then our friend read from the Torah in Hebrew.
As I sat there I was overwhelmed with a sense that Jesus had read those same words when he had turned 13. He celebrated many Feasts of the Tabernacle, and he sat through similar services (without the padded seats I imagine). It was amazing to realize that I was actually experiencing something that Jesus had experienced.
Baptism gives each of us a chance to do exactly what our Lord and Savior did. Early in my Christian life I was really hesitant to be submerged...couldn't I just be sprinkled? It's the intent of the act, not the act itself that's important, right? But that was just my ever present self fighting against a blessing God wanted me to have. By being immersed, we demonstrate our obedience and we have the opportunity to have a shared experience with Christ!
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Several years ago I attended the Bat Mitzvah of my daughters' friend. It was held during the Feast of Tabernacles and we were able to sit in on a Jewish synagogue service. The rabbi shared the history and traditions of the festival, then our friend read from the Torah in Hebrew.
As I sat there I was overwhelmed with a sense that Jesus had read those same words when he had turned 13. He celebrated many Feasts of the Tabernacle, and he sat through similar services (without the padded seats I imagine). It was amazing to realize that I was actually experiencing something that Jesus had experienced.
Baptism gives each of us a chance to do exactly what our Lord and Savior did. Early in my Christian life I was really hesitant to be submerged...couldn't I just be sprinkled? It's the intent of the act, not the act itself that's important, right? But that was just my ever present self fighting against a blessing God wanted me to have. By being immersed, we demonstrate our obedience and we have the opportunity to have a shared experience with Christ!
Monday, May 21, 2007
May 21 - Be the Pickle
Read Matthew 3:1-12
Context: The prior chapters in Matthew describe the birth and earliest years of Christ's life.
Text:
1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' "[a]
4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11"I baptize you with[b] water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 3:3 Isaiah 40:3
Matthew 3:11 Or in
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This passage is the first time the word 'baptize' shows up in the Bible. Apparently there was a Jewish practice of baptizing ones' self as part of the process for becoming a Jew (Bible Knowledge Commentary), repenting as a part of baptism was a new concept to them.
The original Greek word used in this text is baptizo, a verb, that means 'to dip or immerse'. It is similar to the word bapto, yet at the same time it is very different. Strong's lexicon definition gives a good example of the difference:
The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be ‘dipped’ (bapto) into boiling water and then ‘baptised’ (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change.When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. Mark 16:16. ‘He that believes and is baptised shall be saved’. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice, May 1989.
So maybe the catchphrase of the day is "Be the Pickle!"
Context: The prior chapters in Matthew describe the birth and earliest years of Christ's life.
Text:
1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' "[a]
4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11"I baptize you with[b] water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 3:3 Isaiah 40:3
Matthew 3:11 Or in
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This passage is the first time the word 'baptize' shows up in the Bible. Apparently there was a Jewish practice of baptizing ones' self as part of the process for becoming a Jew (Bible Knowledge Commentary), repenting as a part of baptism was a new concept to them.
The original Greek word used in this text is baptizo, a verb, that means 'to dip or immerse'. It is similar to the word bapto, yet at the same time it is very different. Strong's lexicon definition gives a good example of the difference:
The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be ‘dipped’ (bapto) into boiling water and then ‘baptised’ (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change.When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. Mark 16:16. ‘He that believes and is baptised shall be saved’. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice, May 1989.
So maybe the catchphrase of the day is "Be the Pickle!"
Friday, May 18, 2007
May 18 - Let's Get Together
Read Hebrews 10:11-25
Context: Paul has been describing how the coming of Christ as a sacrifice for all sin changes the way the Israelites worship.
Text:
11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
16"This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds."[a] 17Then he adds:
"Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more."[b]
18And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Hebrews 10:16 Jer. 31:33
Hebrews 10:17 Jer. 31:34
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Why do you go to church? Why did you choose FCCF? I have always appreciated the truth that I hear in the sermons and Sunday School classes, and I am very thankful for Ruth Wingfield and all the others who have worked to make the children's ministry so robust. I'm not sure I would have made it through our girls' teen years if it weren't for the dynamic ministry that is set up for them. When our boys pray on Saturday night and Sunday night, we always thank God for giving us the opportunity to learn more about Him.
But that's not really what this passage says church is for! We should be meeting together for the purpose of 'encouraging one another' and for 'spurring one another on toward love and good deeds'. That always happens within the walls of our building, but I guess I never thought about this as a primary purpose for meeting together.
This Sunday, I challenge you to be an active encourager of others in the church, not just to learn. Plan ahead...how will you do this?
Context: Paul has been describing how the coming of Christ as a sacrifice for all sin changes the way the Israelites worship.
Text:
11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
16"This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds."[a] 17Then he adds:
"Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more."[b]
18And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Hebrews 10:16 Jer. 31:33
Hebrews 10:17 Jer. 31:34
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Why do you go to church? Why did you choose FCCF? I have always appreciated the truth that I hear in the sermons and Sunday School classes, and I am very thankful for Ruth Wingfield and all the others who have worked to make the children's ministry so robust. I'm not sure I would have made it through our girls' teen years if it weren't for the dynamic ministry that is set up for them. When our boys pray on Saturday night and Sunday night, we always thank God for giving us the opportunity to learn more about Him.
But that's not really what this passage says church is for! We should be meeting together for the purpose of 'encouraging one another' and for 'spurring one another on toward love and good deeds'. That always happens within the walls of our building, but I guess I never thought about this as a primary purpose for meeting together.
This Sunday, I challenge you to be an active encourager of others in the church, not just to learn. Plan ahead...how will you do this?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
May 17 - "Falling" for Jesus
Read Acts 20:7-12
Context: Paul has been traveling on his third missionary journey. He's been through Thessaloniki, Athens, Corinth, Ephesia, Macedonia, and Greece. He is now in Troas, where he has stayed for seven days.
Text:
7On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9Seated 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. 10Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" 11Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.(NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Wow -- sometimes we think our church runs long! I am amazed at the level of commitment these folks had for learning about Christ. They weren't at this church meeting for a weekly 'filling' from the word, they wanted to be hit by a fire hose. They didn't realize it at the time, but this was the last time Paul would be visiting. When he was done here in Ephesia he returned to Jerusalem where he was arrested.
Can you imagine how tired you must be if you can fall asleep on a window opening? This one was probably much more comfortable than what we know as window openings. It may have been 12 -18 inches wide. Eutychus probably had many chances to go home during the day, but he wanted to hear all that Paul had to say. I want that kind of hunger!
Context: Paul has been traveling on his third missionary journey. He's been through Thessaloniki, Athens, Corinth, Ephesia, Macedonia, and Greece. He is now in Troas, where he has stayed for seven days.
Text:
7On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9Seated 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. 10Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" 11Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.(NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Wow -- sometimes we think our church runs long! I am amazed at the level of commitment these folks had for learning about Christ. They weren't at this church meeting for a weekly 'filling' from the word, they wanted to be hit by a fire hose. They didn't realize it at the time, but this was the last time Paul would be visiting. When he was done here in Ephesia he returned to Jerusalem where he was arrested.
Can you imagine how tired you must be if you can fall asleep on a window opening? This one was probably much more comfortable than what we know as window openings. It may have been 12 -18 inches wide. Eutychus probably had many chances to go home during the day, but he wanted to hear all that Paul had to say. I want that kind of hunger!
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