We meet up with Paul here right after the riots in Ephesus. Paul had made quite a stir within the community, talking about Jesus and denouncing all the false gods that had brought a livelihood for so many. Because of his faith and unpopular message with some, Paul was not a popular person. Do you ever feel like you’re an outcast because you speak the name of Jesus?
In this reading, we see that Paul didn’t skip a beat. He didn’t let the noise of the crowd deter him from his mission. He had told the Corinthians in his first letter that he’d be leaving Ephesus after Pentecost and heading to Macedonia. Paul’s travel plans had changed a bit as he now wanted to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost. No matter what, Paul continued to encourage people along the way. We can learn a lot from Paul’s determination.
Troas became another stop along the way to Jerusalem, and it’s where Paul met up with his traveling companions. What do you think about the events that happened while they were there? Particularly, I was surprised by how Paul helped the young man, Eutychus. Paul’s sermon had gone long, so maybe he felt responsible for causing the man to doze off. I’m quite certain God intervened in that moment.
In Acts 19:11, it is written, “God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles.” Bringing the dead back to life was certainly unusual. Jesus had done it, but now God had given Paul that authority. I can’t even imagine how Paul would have been feeling. Even if Eutychus hadn’t died from the fall, he would have sustained great injury in the fall, and with Paul’s touch, “the young man was taken home alive and well.”
God is amazing, isn’t he? It was God who was glorified in that moment, even if the text doesn’t dwell on the miracle. The author of Acts, Luke, was a medical doctor, so if he declared the man dead, it would seem credible. If he had only been injured, wouldn’t the people have been calling on Luke’s expertise as a doctor? Rather, Luke includes this story to show that Paul was a true apostle, being used by God for a powerful purpose.
What’s your takeaway from this reading? For me, it’s to keep on moving forward, seeking God’s will, and doing his work. We may run into roadblocks, or even road closures, but that shouldn’t stop us. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, seeking his kingdom while bringing honor to God along the way.
If you ever think you have a hard go of it, remember Paul’s example. He faced a lot of opposition from spreading his message. He didn’t have a luxury liner either to take these trips from town to town. Paul never wavered, and God used him in mighty ways. God uses us, too. Don’t stop now!
Let’s pray. Father, I am humbled each time I think about how you use me. I don’t feel worthy at times. Help me overcome that and truly step into the power you have gifted me. Forgive me for missing opportunities you have laid before me. May I keep my eyes on you and never forget what you have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
