Wednesday, April 30, 2014

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE WORLD: The Presentation Determined


Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

Luke determined that his presentation of the Gospel would be systematic and trustworthy.  God would guide him in his writing to produce a perfect product—to override any error, but not to obliterate Luke’s personality and personal effort.

Luke’s presentation of the story of Jesus is a result of IMPECCABLE RESEARCH, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us” (v.2).  Luke was not an eyewitness like Matthew or John.  But, he interviewed eyewitnesses.  That is a credible testimony—evidence that would stand up in a court of law and meet the demands of historians for accuracy!  He likely got all this nativity and infancy material from an interview with Mary, the mother of Jesus herself!

But his presentation did not only feature his own meticulous effort, but was produced by INFALLIBLE REVELATION, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus” (v.3).  While the message was written by a man, it was inspired by the Spirit.  Peter says that Scripture came as “holy men of God…were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Pet.1:21).  A Perfect God would not inspire error; a God of Infinite Wisdom cannot be mistaken; and a God of Truth will not deceive.

When you open your Bible, and turn to Luke’s Gospel you encounter the real Jesus—His words and works—and find the road to heaven.  God and His faithful servant wanted you to know this.  Read it today!

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