So That You May Know the Truth

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Theo is working on sharing the Good News this Christmas!



Scripture:


Luke 1:1   Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.


Observation:


It is the physician, Luke, who brings us this gospel. He has been the faithful companion of the Apostle Paul and heard the eyewitness stories. He has investigated the things that he has heard and is now ready to write them down. He will present these truths to the “most excellent Theolphilus.” The assumption is that this is a person with government authority, considering the title. Interestingly, his name means, “Lover of God.” Some have suggested that this wasn’t a particular individual, but a name that represents all who will read and respond to this gospel, however, the majority of commentators believe he was a real person. 


The intent of this writing is that Theophilus, and others who will read the account, will know the truth. 


Application:


I’m embarking on a new journey by beginning a new Gospel for the months ahead. Different authors have varying perspectives on the same experience. Luke is a physician and a historian and so he brings this perspective to mind. He has been a companion to Paul and so his stories will be filled with Paul’s interpretation. Overall, his goal is for the readers of the first century, and hence for us today, to know the truth. 


Knowing truth seems to be at risk these days. So many perspectives on reality are available to us, that we have many optional lenses. Most of those lenses would say that truth cannot be defined without the context, or that truth is variable, depending upon the situation. That leaves us in a world that allows each person to define their own truth, and means that, ultimately, we become our own god. No wonder there is so much fear, anxiety and depression in our world. 


This is Luke’s gospel, and gospel means “good news.” He is telling us that the good news is that there is truth, and he is going to lay that out for us. The “good news” is all about Jesus Christ and the defining moment when he stepped into human history. This is the foundation of truth on which we can build our lives. The result is that we can become like Theophilus, — a lover of God. So, right here, in the introduction we learn that when our lives are sustained by the truth of the Messiah, we can become participants in the life of a God of holy love. Lovers of God must become, by nature, lovers of others. 


As we enter this advent season, while in the throes of a global pandemic, may we make it our goal to know the truth. 


Prayer:


Lord, thank you for your love and truth! Amen. 

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