Saturday, March 16, 2013

He Lives



And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.
--Acts 20:12  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on March 16, 2013 of Psalm 54; Acts 20:1-12; Numbers 16:36-18:7.

Paul, Luke, Timothy, Aristarchus, Secundus, Tychicus, Sopater, Gaius, and Trophimus all met up and gathered together with some number of locals at Troas in Asia.  Some of these men we know, some are new, but all are brethren, disciples, followers of Christ.  The scripture tells us that many lamps lighted the upper room where they gathered, so there must have been quite a crowd.  Paul took advantage of having so many brothers together at one time and in one place and talked with them late into the night and even into the morning, continuing on until daybreak when he departed.  One young man in their company, named Eutychus, struggled to stay awake after midnight.  As Paul talked on, Eutychus lost his battle and fell asleep, literally falling out of the third story window.  Everyone rushed down and thought he was dead, except Paul who embraced him and proclaimed him still alive.  And indeed he was, a seeming miracle that proved to be a great comfort to all assembled there.

This, in a way, reminds us of Jesus' resurrection.  Everyone knew He was dead.  His lifeless body was taken from the cross, cleaned, prepared, and buried in a sealed tomb.  God did not leave Him there, but instead embraced Him and proclaimed Him alive by His resurrection.  After Jesus rose from the grave, He appeared to many and proved to be a great comfort to them.  He still provides a tremendous comfort to us today because we know He still lives and because of Him so may we.  He defeated death so that we might not suffer eternal death but also have endless life with Him.  Jesus lives!  Amen.

Lord Jesus, we take so much comfort simply knowing that You still live.  Because of You, we can be assured of our future.  With Your strength, we can face any challenge.  Thank You, Jesus, for Your great sacrifice.  In Your holy name, Lord Jesus, we pray.   Amen.

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