PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 1:1-4
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses.” (Luke 1:2)
Like Theophilus, I have been taught that these things were true.
In one sense, I can say that I have also “carefully investigated everything.” (v.3)
I have read and studied and pondered these Jesus stories for years.
But can I be certain that the things written are true?
Luke says that what he wrote was based on eyewitness reports.
The people who first experienced Jesus – saw, heard and spoke with him!
For me personally, the message of Jesus they witnessed to has the ring of truth.
Not because it is agreeable, but because it convicts, comforts and compels me.
This message is so radically opposite to what people wanted, it has to be true.
Witnesses to Jesus on his way to the cross would know where it would lead for them.
Why would anyone buy into this message of self-denial, love for enemy, non-violence?
Their confidence in Jesus, and the life-changing impact of his message, was compelling!
It was the the conviction of those who witnessed Jesus that convinced Luke.
Their willingness to be servants (v.3) of this crazy message convicts and convinces me too.
PRAYER
Lord, your message convicts, comforts and compels me too. It goes against everything my heart naturally wants, and yet offers me everything my heart ultimately needs.
Eyewitnesses sharing their story about what they saw and heard! They walked with Jesus! I want to walk with Jesus too! I like the word the Luke used – fulfilled. Luke helps us to connect with the prophecies written many centuries before that predicted what Jesus would do. This in itself is so affirming to my faith. The HS opens my eyes to see and testifies to the truth of what happened over 2000 years ago. Thank you to the gospel writers for capturing only some of the key events – but enough to see that Jesus was not an ordinary man – but the Messiah that was promised right from the beginning!
Telling the Story.
Those who saw all what had happened told the Story. They saw and talked and wrote about what they saw so that you and I have more than one account what happened in days past since many eye witnesses gave the same account. The Truth.
Jesus came. Jesus died. Jesus rose and ascended. He lives and because He lives I too can live. Help me to live that truth this day guided by Your Spirit in all I do and say.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me,
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.
Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us,
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.
V4 – “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Thank you Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit after you went back to the Father. Through the working of the Holy Spirit Jesus you remain in me and I experience and am convicted with certainty that what I have heard and been taught about you and your ministry while you loved here on earth are true. With the empowering of the Holy Spirit I continue to live with you, like you, and for you My Jesus.