There are two classes of characters found in the Bible: those with whom we can relate,
and those who possess a higher degree of faith and virtue than the average person. Those in
the latter group are still beneficial to us as we strive every day to emulate their example, but the members of the former group give us hope, for they prove that, even in the face of human weakness, the Christian can still overcome.
If anybody belongs in the class of “ordinary” Bible characters, it is Eutychus. This young
man holds the distinction of being the only person in the Bible who fell asleep during a sermon – a sermon preached by Paul at that! (Acts 20:7-12). Some would criticize Eutychus, saying, “He should have stayed awake! How could he fall asleep to Paul’s preaching? If he had been taking notes, this would not have happened!” However, I think Eutychus is to be commended because he was doing his best. How many young people would have attended a church meeting that lasted until midnight? How many would have sat in a window when there was no more room? Eutychus put forth his best effort – though it wasn’t much – and look at the results. His weakness gave Paul an opportunity to demonstrate the power of God, and the name “Eutychus” has been immortalized because of it!
The next time you get frustrated because you don’t have the patience of Job, think of
Eutychus. When you feel “dull” because you cannot teach with the wisdom of Paul, think of
Eutychus. The next time you struggle with fear or human weakness, think of Eutychus. Just do
your best. That is all God asks of you.