I think I would be right in saying that the thing the majority of people fear the most is DEATH. But there is good news on this subject of death! Here’s how a young man did escape death's claim upon him.
The apostle Paul in his travels decided he would go the long way round from Achaia to Syria so as to avoid falling into an evil plot the Jews had against him. (verse 3.) It is wise to take sensible precautions to avoid unnecessary harm and danger in life. (Luke 4:9-12.) Paul’s extra journey brought him to a place called Troas.
In Troas the local believers gathered to hear Paul preach, and to share together in the fellowship supper that reminds Christians of Jesus’ death. By means of this supper Christians are to remind themselves often that God can only accept them because of Jesus’ death for them. (Hebrews 10:10-18. 1stCorinthians 11:23-30.) The bread and wine are symbols for the Christian, REMINDING THEM of Jesus’ body and blood that were sacrificed "once and for all" on the cross for our sins. (1stCorinthians 11:24-26.) His sacrifice that brings us LIFE - Eternal Life. (Hebrews 7:25-27.)
But something happened in Troas before they got around to sharing in the supper together. Luke records it this way: “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. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. ‘Don't be alarmed,’ he said, ‘he’s alive!’ Then he went upstairs again and broke bread, and ate.” (verses 7-11.)
How thrilled and comforted they were at Eutychus having been able to escape death's claim at that time. (verse 12.)
As they broke the bread together, they were reminding themselves of Jesus’ death - the death that had made it possible for them to be “crossed over from death to life” - Eternal Life. (John 5:24.) Jesus' death on the cross for them, meant they would be free from the fear of punishment, and the eternal destruction that death brings to so many. (Hebrews 2:14-15.)
Does the eating of the bread and the drinking of the wine, to celebrate and remember Jesus' death, fill YOU with such comforting thoughts? Have you faith in Jesus that assures you that you will escape death's claim, when, at the time of death you will be able to enter into eternal Life in Heaven, because of Him? (Philippians 1:21-23.) Trust in Him right now, to forgive your sins, and save you from deserved death and destruction.
Read Acts chapter 20, verses 2-12.
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