MONDAY October 23, 2023

From Dead to Living

But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.
Acts 20:10-12

Knowing a young man had fallen through the window, Paul immediately paused his sermon, went down, and very calmly, without panicking, embraced him. He bought him back to life! Eutychus was indeed “well- fated.” The meaning of his name proved true––he had died, was on his way to heaven, but came back to life as Paul prayed! God had a purpose in allowing this miracle to take place. He demonstrated to the people His life-giving power! It was not so this man could continue to live out his life or for Paul’s name to become famous; it was so God’s name could be exalted.

This scene reminds me of another story in the Old Testament. On this occasion, Elisha stayed in an upper room in the home of a Shunammite woman. Suddenly, her son felt sick, and soon after, he died. What did the prophet do? He actually laid on her son. He placed his mouth directly on the boy’s mouth, his eyes upon the child’s eyes, and placed his hand on the lad’s hand. This he did twice; then the child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. He came back to life! (2 Kings 4:8-37).

There have been stories out of China and Thailand of people coming back to life after missionaries prayed for them. God can raise people from the dead! Some very sick people in hospitals die. The equipment verifies to the doctors and nurses that this person is dead. There have also been times when the person has come back to life––that is a miracle from God.

Seriously, if I am dying, I have told my wife, “Do not pray for God to bring me back.” I do not want to stay in this evil world for another moment. I want to go and be with the Lord! As a child of God, wouldn’t you?

“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry...He’s risen!”
~Andrew Murray~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!