| August 18, 2020 Good afternoon, ” Seated in a window a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story, and was picked up dead.”Acts 20:9 This is a story found near the end of the book of Acts. Paul has experienced many astounding things in his life after being transformed on the road to Damascus, Syria. This story/event happened in the village of Troas. Troas is on the coast of the Aegean Sea, and is famous for ancient cultures. Paul and the other leaders spent seven days there together. Before verse nine, it says Paul is preaching a long time, all the way to midnight. This young man falls off the ledge, and dies. Paul goes down, wraps his arms around him, and raises him from the dead. Then he continues to preach until daylight. What does this story mean ? Maybe it does not mean anything for us as 21st century believers. To me, it seems like a funny story about Paul who preaches for a long long time. Not all biblical stories have the same value or meaning. Maybe the question we should ask ourselves is, ” How do we decide the stories that we must follow in our lives today ? And what is the meaning of the entire book of Acts ? It is the history of the early years of the church and it is like any book of history, we look for meaning or wisdom. Wisdom takes a long time with the texts of our faith. It never comes easy. With prayer, conversation and community discernment, we come to wisdom. I do not think we ever come to wisdom alone. We need other people to listen to us, and for us to listen to them. Prayer ( from Proverbs 1 — The Message ) Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right to understand what life means and where it’s going; A manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair;To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn— AMEN ! Salaam and peace for our life in search for wisdom. Fred Tread on bold new paths ! Fireflies flash the direction Hope springs eternal Monica Pieper Landoni 2020 Fred Redekop Pastor Poole Mennonite Church  |
