SUNDAY October 22, 2023
A Deathly Sleep
There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.
Acts 20:8-9
Paul taught a very long sermon while the lamps burned and lit an upper room. The house was packed with people, and, as a result of the hazy smoke from the candles, the cozy atmosphere, and the late hour, a certain young man drifted off to sleep. Eutychus, whose name means “well-fated” fell from a third-floor window and was pronounced dead.
In teaching a sermon, I am not usually long-winded––I keep on time. But to be honest, perhaps there was one time I went over, but I have never had anyone die as a result! However, from the pulpit when teaching, I have looked out into the congregation and seen people dozing off at times.
As I consider Paul’s preaching for an entire night, I have thought it would be awesome to one day, perhaps on a Friday night, have a church service that lasts into the early hours of the morning. The congregation could pray, worship, and break bread together in unity––as brothers and sisters in the Lord. What a blessing that would be!
Fellowship, prayer and worship are what we really need in the body of Christ so that God can touch people’s lives. We have to stay close to the heart of God, because we are living in incredible days. I know the Lord is coming back soon, and it really breaks my heart to know there are some people who are not ready. They may not go in the Rapture with us.
We have a duty to pray for them. They need to awake as Ephesians 5:14 exhorts: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” It causes me sorrow to think of people, spiritually speaking, who have fallen into a deathly sleep. If they do not awake, they will die without Christ and spend eternity separated from Him.
You will never catch the devil asleep; let not the devil catch you asleep. Watch, and be sober, that ye may be always up to do your duty.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
