Most Excellent Lover of God
June 26, 2009
Scripture
1Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4)
Observation
This is how Luke begins his first of two volumes – his Gospel. We see that it is addressed to Theophilus, a name which means Lover of God, and we see Luke’s purpose in writing, “that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
From this, I deduce that this Lover of God, already knows something about Jesus, but has doubts that need to be assuaged, or he needs to be persuaded more fully. This is Luke’s intent, and I think we should keep this in mind as we read through this story of the good news of Jesus!
Application
It is good to remember that the Gospels, and the Bible for that matter, didn’t just drop out of the sky, but they were inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by particular authors at a particular time in history, and addressed to a particular group of people.
I will keep this in mind as I read. I will look for times where it seems that Luke is clarifying the person and nature of Jesus, I will look for times when Jesus’ more-than-humanity is revealed – for surely this is Luke’s aim.
Prayer
Inspiring God, thank you for Luke, thank you for Theophilus and all the other God-Lovers throughout history who have sought the truth and who have found you. Give me eyes to read this Gospel well – that I might have my doubts assuaged, and my errors of belief corrected as I read this account of your precious Son. Inspire my reading just as you inspired Zechariah, John, Anna, Simeon, Mary, and Jesus. Amen.
