September 15,2011 - Acts 20:7-8

“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.” Act 20:7-8.
Paul, on his way to Jerusalem, journeyed to Troas, which was a port city in the Northwest corner of modern-day Turkey. Paul ended up staying in Troas for seven days. During this time, he spoke or taught whenever the followers of Jesus would gather. On the day before he was to leave, Paul gave a farewell talk in an upstairs room at night. The lamps were lit, and some in the crowd must have drifted off to sleep as Paul’s sermon continued on. It is not clear when this gathering started, but Paul preached until daybreak. The text doesn’t indicate how many were present or whether or not any of them slept, although most listened intently to Paul’s spoken words.
Can you imagine sitting in a room listening to someone preach or teach for six, seven, or maybe more hours at one time? I don’t know about you, but one hour is about my limit! My seat cannot take much more, so I’m not sure how I would have done in that crowd. The difference may have been that this crowd might have realized that this was the last time that they would see and be with their beloved Paul, their spiritual father. Even though it may have been hours that they sat there, this crowd probably hung on Paul’s every word, trying to remember all the wisdom that he shared before his departure.
Questions to consider: Have you ever listened to someone speak for more than an hour? How about 3 or more hours? Is there anyone who would cause you to hang on every word that they taught, especially if you knew that this was the last time you would see or hear them? How thirsty are you for the word of God? Would you stay up all night to feed on it?
Prayer: Father, I confess that I take Your Word for granted. I act like it will be available whenever I want. I don’t hunger for it, as in a dry and thirsty land. Please give me a heart that is thirsty and hungry for Your Word. Amen.