Falling Asleep and Faithful Service
Acts 20:7-12; 20:17-38
Acts 20 describes the continuance of Paul’s ministry. Two important events are recorded. First, a young man falls asleep during a long possibly overnight message. Second describes Paul’s faithful service while on his mission.
Falling asleep in worship: Acts 20:7-12
Gathering to “break bread” Getting sleepy:Listening, oil burning lamps, a cool breeze and young man. Grave fall from the third floor: Luke says “picked up as dead”. Paul tells the people to stop the panic he’s alive. Got up celebrated the breaking of bread, teaching till dawn and the young man came in and his presence comforted all present.
Faithful Service Acts 20:17-38
Paul served with humility, tears and testing (17-19) Paul committed himself to God who had radically changed his life. Paul served with no hesitation to share and preach Jesus. He preached what they needed a message of repentance. (20-21) Paul served with no regard for his own life. (22-27) Compelled by the Spirit of God to go to Jerusalem where he would face prison, hardships and maybe death. Paul served up positive instructions (28) Stay alert within yourself and as elders (leaders) of the flock. Shepherd the Christians. Much like David in Psalm 23. Lead the sheep to spiritual food and calm waters for refreshment and rest. Comfort them in times when they walk through the valleys of life. Guard them from the savage wolves outside of the fellowship and within. (29-31) Wolves alter the message of God twisting and distorting the truth. Paul served by committing them to the grace of God which builds up. (32-33). Paul served without being a burden. (34-35) “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” A statement makes it clear Paul served! Paul served by committing them to God.
Lessons: People come to worship with different needs, concerns and burdens. Welcome encourages all. Faithful service puts Christians in the line of fire in our society. Serve with humility without hesitation because we have a message people need to hear. Yield to Holy Spirit who leads us to love God, love people and empowers us to serve both God and people.