Today’s scripture: Acts 20:1-12 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (David Zier):
I remember when I was in seminary, I stayed up late working on school assignments on a Saturday evening. The next morning I was scheduled to work with the media team at church. During service, I kept dozing off, and I missed one of my cues. EMBARRASSING!
How many of us have fallen asleep during Pastor Jeff’s sermons? How about any sermon? What about falling asleep to what Jesus calls us to do , and that causes us to free fall away from God?
The message of Eutychus seems more metaphorical about falling asleep to our spiritual walk, or our spiritual awakening, and falling asleep to the message of Jesus.
When we do, like Eutychus, we can fall hard, distancing ourselves from God. We need to be keenly aware of our discipleship walk and growing in our spiritual maturity. It could be easy to coast through or sleep walk through — without giving intentional thought to our relationship with God. Spiritual practices, such as prayer, worship, doing justice, practicing generosity, and seeking God’s will on earth can help “keep us awake”.
But, it is comforting to know that even when we make one of those hard falls, like Eutychus, Jesus is there is carry us back and resurrect our souls toward union with God on our journeys.
Thought for the day: Am I sleeping through some part of my spiritual life? What do I need to do to wake up?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.