February 25, 2022 – “Push Comes to Shove” (Acts 20:7-12)

“On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul began to speak to the people, and because he intended to leave the next day, he extended his message until midnight. (Now there were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting.) A young man named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window, was sinking into a deep sleep while Paul continued to speak for a long time. Fast asleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, put his arms around him, and said, “Do not be distressed, for he is still alive!” Then Paul went back upstairs, and after he had broken bread and eaten, he talked with them a long time, until dawn. Then he left. They took the boy home alive and were greatly comforted.” Acts 20:7-12

“Push Comes to Shove”

The earliest reference for the exact phrase “Push Comes to Shove” is from a 1898 newspaper in Georgia: “When ‘push comes to shove’ will editors of the Yellow Kid organs enlist?”. Earliest reference at all is from 1873 in United Methodist Free Churches’ Mag.: “The proposed improvement is about to fail, when Push comes up behind it and gives it a shove, and Pull goes in front and lays into the traces; and, lo! the enterprise advances, the goal is reached!”.

The account we have in Acts about Eutychus mentions that he falls to his death because he fell asleep. No one pushed him out the window — he fell on his own accord. However, it is a warning for those who choose to fall asleep during sermons, that there can be perilous consequences for drowsiness.

Why do so many people wait to have a relationship with G-d until “push comes to shove” — until they are forced because of an illness, a death or a tragedy? It is true that there are no atheists in fox holes and few in cancer wards, but I am here to tell you that G-d does not want a relationship with us when our backs are against the wall, and we believe we have no other choices.

We all know someone who needs a gentle nudge when it comes to igniting their interest in a relationship with G-d. Notice I said a gentle nudge – and not a push. I believe it is better for you and me to give gentle nudges, and to allow the Holy Spirit to do the pushing.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, your spirit flows in and through our lives daily. When we feel that spirit, nudge us to follow the spirit and share your love with all whom we encounter. Amen.

Pastor Dave