Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, or I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” ~Matthew 11:28-29
© 2016 Lynn Abbott
Tired? Feeling overwhelmed and scattered?
Yup. Been there. I suppose that’s why I love the story of Eutychus.
Although Eutychus is mentioned but briefly in the book of Acts, those five, dedicated verses remind me that Abba loves the weary.
Eutychus’ grace encounter began simply enough. He attended a gathering of believers who sat under the teaching of the apostle Paul.
On that particular occasion, Paul knew that he would leave Troas the following day; thus, he spoke until midnight.
Eager to learn more of Abba, the believers nevertheless stayed. And Paul taught.
Eutychus had discovered a cozy spot in the crowded room. Seated on the window sill, he struggled to remain awake.
A full day’s activity, the dim lighting, the lateness of the hour–all conspired against him.
Luke, the author of Acts, writes that Eutychus was “sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on.”
I jest not. That’s exactly what it says: “as Paul talked on and on.”
Luke’s description creates a humorous mental picture: I picture Paul– passionately preaching– and poor Eutychus, intermittently nodding off.
I’ve been there; I’ve walked in Eutychus’ sandals.
That’s why I can say with confidence that Eutychus loved Abba with all his heart.
I have no doubt that he sought to serve God in whatever way he could. He probably tried to juggle it all.
For this reason, I’m sure that he had put in a long workday before Bible study with Paul. As the hour grew late, he finally succumbed to the sand man’s gentle push …
And fell from the third story.
Gasp. The believers must have rushed to the street level. Luke reports that although they picked Eutychus up, it was too late.
Eutychus didn’t survive.
Indeed, the account has all the makings of a tragedy. But Grace revised the outcome.
Abba wrapped His arms around Eutychus and used Paul to raise Eutychus from the dead.
Wow. Just wow.
There were no words of recrimination. No one said, “You should have chosen a better seat or had another cup of coffee.”
And there was no assignment of blame.
Instead, compassion showed up in a big way.
Eutychus’ experience demonstrates that Abba not only loves us, but He also understands our physical limitations. He longs to gently wrap us in His arms.
Through Ink & Image 