13/3/18 – Leviticus 26:14-46, Leviticus 27 – Luke 1:1-25 – Proverbs 7:1-5

Luke 1:1-4

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 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.

We are now starting the book of Luke. This book starts a little different – Luke tells us the purpose behind writing it. It’s like a foreword or a dedication.

He’s telling us that there are those who have already written about these events (we’ve just read two of those Gospels) and that the stories of Jesus were given to them by eyewitnesses, people who were there and saw the miracles and the resurrected Christ.

So Luke is aware of that and has decided to put together a record of all this. He tells us that he’s “carefully investigated” everything right from the beginning. He spoke to people, interviewed those who knew Jesus and written what he calls an “orderly account”.

Theophilus, who Luke wrote for was a believer – but he wanted to be certain. So Luke investigated for him.

This means this book is a very good record. We get some events in here that are not in the other gospels, because Luke wasn’t just writing from his experience (Like Matthew and John and to some extent Mark, whose account would most likely have mainly come from Peter) – he’s investigating like a journalist and uncovering some extra elements to the story.

Luke 1:18

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

Zechariah wants to be sure. God has spoken, in the Holy place in the temple. An Angel appears to him with great news and Zechariah… still isn’t sure.

It’s amazing isn’t it? Much like Gideon, the appearance of an angel was not enough for him. He wanted something extra to convince him.

Sometimes we let doubt crowd out the excitement of an encounter with God. We let doubt make us question the good things He does.

Zechariah got his sign… his voice was gone until the birth of his son.

When we hear good news – don’t let doubt get in the way, because we serve an awesome God. Good news should not be a surprise.

Prov 7:2-3

Keep my commands and you will live;

guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

Bind them on your fingers;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Solomon is saying this of his wise sayings. But this truth extends beyond that. Keeping the commandments of God is the wisest way to live.

Guard this word. Guard it carefully. Keep in the word – each and every day. Know the word so well that it’s always with you.