On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul was holding a discussion with them; since he intended to leave the next day, he continued speaking until midnight. There were many lamps in the room upstairs where we were meeting. A young man named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window, began to sink off into a deep sleep while Paul talked still longer. Overcome by sleep, he fell to the ground three floors below and was picked up dead. But Paul went down, and bending over him took him in his arms, and said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” Then Paul went upstairs, and after he had broken bread and eaten, he continued to converse with them until dawn; then he left. Meanwhile they had taken the boy away alive and were not a little comforted. ~ Acts 20:7-12
Not going to lie.
I have been to one or two council meetings in my life where I felt like poor Eutychus here. (A three hour budget meeting comes to mind)!
It seems here that Paul was talking just a little bit too long to keep everyone's attention. Something I try to keep in mind when preparing a sermon!
It's a little funny this scene isn't it? You can imagine Eutychus as his eyes droop until suddenly, out the window he goes to his apparent death.
And when Paul heals him, what does he do?
He keeps on talking.
As humorous as this story is (except maybe to Eutychus), what really stands out?
Paul's mission won't be distracted.
The work of ministry continues no matter the circumstances.
Paul himself struggled mightily during his travels: illness, imprisonment, torture. And yet he kept on. The work of the church needed to continue.
And maybe there's a reason in here why sometimes, three hour council meetings just need to go on.
Lord, give me perseverance during times of discomfort during my service to you. Amen