“To be talked to death is a horrible way to die.” Agree? I heard about a preacher who dreamed he was preaching a sermon. When he awakened, he was. Preaching a sermon! If the preacher falls asleep, so will others. The official description some use is, “Verbal processor.” This phrase describes a person who thinks out loud for the benefit of everyone.
Not every sermon in the New Testament was long. In fact, if we recite Peter’s sermon at Pentecost and Paul’s sermon at Mars Hill, they both seem relatively brief. Perhaps, each of them is a precis or summary of the original. But Luke tells us about the time Paul preached all night. Poor Eutychus nodded off to sleep, fell out the window, and died. To be talked to death is a horrible way to die.
If you die in church, it is good to have a Savior who specializes in resurrection. Paul ran to him, picked him up, said, “He’s alive.” And Eutychus was actually alive! To be talked to life is a wonderful way to live. They took a meal break. Then Paul preached again until morning.
After hearing some messages recently, I want to locate myself in the camp of those who believe brevity is better. Someone said, “The mind can only absorb what the seat can endure.” True words. I know what you are thinking: “Physician, heal thyself.” Thankfully, I get another chance this week. So far as I know, no one has died from one of my sermons. But sometimes, the Spirit takes the word of God and pierces someone’s heart. They pass from death to life by trusting in Christ and making him Lord. To be talked to life is a wonderful way to live. Jesus has the words of life. Listen for his voice. He will never let you down.
