Luke chapter 1 verses 3-4 (NIV)
With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Something a bit different today. I have done my Bible in One Year readings today as normal, but I have also decided to do the Gospel of Luke Advent challenge – a chapter of Luke a day up to Christmas Eve, so that those who do the challenge are given the chance to read why Jesus came and consider all He has done for us. My pondering over this advent period will then come from that day’s chapter of Luke.
So in the words of Julie Andrews in the “Sound of Music”, let’s start at the very beginning. Luke makes it very clear that he has undertaken a very careful investigation into the facts of Jesus’ birth, life, ministry and resurrection. He heard eye witness accounts and spoke to many. Then he decided to carefully record all he had heard and learned in an orderly fashion. The reason he did so was actually what caught my attention. He did it so that Theophilus would know the certainty of what he had been taught.
The same goes for us. We are blessed to have the Bible to allow us to know the certainty of the things that we too have been taught. But to know that, it’s important for us to take the time to read and absorb all that it says. God’s inspired word can be trusted so that we can stand firm in our faith. And it’s thanks too for Luke, and others’ obedience to God’s directions to them that we are able to do so. Our obedience to God’s instructions, whatever these are to us, could make a difference to those around us.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Luke’s example of obedience and also dedication. Help me to follow that example in the work that you have for me to do. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.