10 August 2018 – Acts 20:7-12 (NIV)

10 August 2018 – Acts 20:7-12 (NIV)

Scripture

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was 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. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

Reflection

Breaking bread. A lot transpires in this short passage but one thing that uniquely sticks out is the use of the term “break bread”, twice in the same day, and for two very different reasons it seems. The first instance of “break bread” in this passage seems to indicate that they shared in the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) together; a very common practice in our faith.

What is interesting, however, is that later on after the entire situation of the kid falling off the 3rd floor window to his untimely death and then resuscitation, Paul “breaks bread” again. Odd, why would he “break bread” again? Simple, to celebrate a joyous occasion! To celebrate that the Lord had miraculously brought this child back to life, to celebrate all the good things and words they had to share with each other (Paul did speak all night into the morning. You have to have a lot of things to share to do that!), to celebrate the joy of seeing God do something awesome.

It is refreshing to know that in our walk of faith, with all the difficult things we encounter or have to deal with, God encourages us to pause, break bread and remember how faithful and good He is. Not only breaking bread solemnly, but also joyfully. Thankful for what he does, from the mundane to the miraculous, in our lives we should be quick to celebrate His good works.

What is something the Lord has done that brings you joy or reason to celebrate? Find someone this week to break bread with, either in remembrance of what Christ has done for you or just to celebrate with people His goodness! Whatever the reason, make it a meal (Josh).

Thoughts for the day

  • What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
  • What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
  • Who can you encourage with this story/message?

Prayer

Invite the Holy Spirit to speak; Ask God to reveal something of Himself to you.

Contact Us

By |2018-08-06T09:46:00+08:00August 10th, 2018|Categories: Week 1|Comments Off on 10 August 2018 – Acts 20:7-12 (NIV)

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Con Loggenberg is a native South African and the Discipleship Director at Shanghai Community Fellowship (SCF). He holds a B.Sc. degree and a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Quantity Surveying, a B.Th. (Hons) degree in Theology and an M.Th. degree in Theology. He and his Texan wife, twin boys and daughter live in Shanghai, China.