Head Scratcher — Eutychus - Friday
Today’s Verse
Psalm 23:2-3a
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. (ESV)
We began this week’s devos by referring to the biblical story of Eutychus, who fell out of a third-story window after falling asleep. Paul, who was preaching at the time, rushed to the boy and brought him back to life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thankfully, Paul didn’t seem to be offended that someone had fallen asleep during his sermon! We’re not sure why Eutychus was so exhausted, but we can relate. Most of us would admit that we’re regularly tired and running at an unsustainable pace. But it’s not just busyness that creates unrest. Worry does as well. We all long for consistent rest. But truthfully, we can be stubborn and see rest as unproductive.
You’ve no doubt heard Psalm 23 quoted at a funeral. Did you ever pay close attention to the second line after the famous words, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”? It says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Why would a shepherd have to make his sheep lie down? In his book, A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, Phillip Keller writes that sheep, while they may need rest, are very reluctant to lie down. The slightest fear, discomfort, or agitation can keep them from resting. That’s why it’s crucial for a good shepherd to know his flock and force them to rest, which includes helping them trust that he has things under control. Sound familiar? If we don't choose to rest, we’ll be made to rest one way or the other. When we trust the Shepherd and bring him the heaviness we try to carry, that’s when our souls are restored.
Rick Warren once said that Jesus modeled a healthy rhythm of rest for us: divert daily, withdraw weekly, and abandon annually.
REFLECTION
Divert today by taking a moment to do something that fills you. Withdraw one day this week by leaving work alone. Make plans to abandon for a week or two this year to unplug and get your perspective back. Your soul will be restored.
