December 3 Purposeful Lord

Luke 1:1-4 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

LUKE is a physician and ah historian. He is a man of knowledge who likes the details. He wants to get it right.

     Luke has been on a journey. First, many think, with Jesus when Jesus commissioned the 72 disciples (see Luke 10) and then with the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. Luke is being a good disciple. He is writing to a friend, Theophilus, to inform him and to convince him that Jesus is the promised Son of God, the Redeemer of all mankind.

     What is crucial to know is that Luke is writing as an historian. He has experienced some things of Jesus personally. And he has interviewed “eyewitnesses and servants of the Lord” to get the full story. Luke learned the details of Jesus’ life. Then he told the story to Theophilus—and to the world.

     This is where our Advent journey begins. This journey is to grow your knowledge more deeply into God’s specific plan of salvation, so you, too,  become an eyewitness to tell the truth of the Lord to your friends – and maybe to the world.

     As we approach this Christmas season, let’s see the reality of God’s Promises come true, the wonder of the virgin birth, the trials and challenges Elizabeth, Zechariah, Mary and Joseph faced. Let’s see the terror of the shepherds in the fields and their joy at the manger. And let us with Mary, ponder in our hearts the meaning of the Christ-child’s birth for our lives and the lives of those we love.

Prayer: O Lord, we rejoice that you fulfilled your promise of a Savior. Urge us to tell our friends. In our Lord’s name, amen.