Tag: Luke 1
A Word from God
Scripture reading for March 4: Luke 1
“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and your shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there will be no end.”” Luke 1:26-33
Can you imagine the thoughts that went through Mary’s mind in this encounter with Gabriel, the angel sent from God’s throne? This angel was sent to a specific location and to a named individual and knew that that Mary was a virgin. He knew she was betrothed to Joseph, of the line of David. The angel understood Mary’s fear and bewilderment. The declaration that she was a ‘favored one’ and that the Lord was with her made her wonder and search for how to respond.
The next statement would really shake her world view: she was to become pregnant and bear a Son, but not any son, the Son of the Most High! This Son was to be given the Name Jesus and He would become a King ruling on the throne of David. His rule would be over all Jacob and His kingdom was eternal! Mary, seeking understanding, asked how this might take place since she was a virgin. The angel helped her see and understand with another clear Word from God: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God.” Mary responded in faith: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your Word.” Luke 1:35-38
How does this story of an angel visiting a virgin girl named Mary fit with your current world view? Is it comforting or fearful to know that God knows your name, location, family ties, and thoughts? Would you want to know God’s plans for you and your life and offspring?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You reveal Your knowledge and plans for us in ways we can understand and respond to. Thank You for the faith that Your Word brings to us to yield ourselves to Your will and plans. Have Your way in me today and each day fulfill Your plans in me and through me. Amen.
Being confident in Christ!
Scripture reading for March 3rd: Luke 1
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 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. Therefore, 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, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
Luke’s gospel account was carefully investigated in order to be accurate and orderly presentation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles written in Greek. Luke documented this account from eyewitnesses of Christ, many who were his personal friends. Luke was a Greek who was a medical doctor and close friend of the Apostle Paul, often traveling with him.
Luke, and our Lord Jesus wanted Theophilus, and us, to have this account so that we might be certain of what we were taught. Faith comes by hearing God’s word from God’s servants! Faith is transmitted by sharing God’s word in written form as well as spoken form. We can have confidence in this written record because it ties directly to those who walked with Jesus Christ while He ministered and revealed the Father’s heart to reach all nations with the gospel of the kingdom.
Observations for over-comers: Put your trust in God’s word as transmitted from the eyewitnesses and servants of the word! “Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel just as He has promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He gave through His servant Moses.” (1st Kings 8:56)
The “Son of God!”
Scripture reading for March 4th: Luke 1
Luke was a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul and of Greek origin. He was a physician and a man who was well-studied and articulate. God chose to use him to write an orderly account of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of His Son. Luke’s Gospel places an emphasis on the humanity of Jesus, the Son of God. Luke also wrote the Book of Acts which chronicles the early church and the spread of the Gospel throughout the known world.
Luke began his account with the story of two miraculous births to two different women. The first birth was that of John the Baptist. He was born to a godly couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, who had been barren. Zechariah was a priest in Israel and was serving in the temple when an angel appeared to him telling him that his prayers for a son would be answered. Zechariah asked the angel how he could be sure of that, given he and his wife’s age. The angel identified himself as Gabriel, who stood in God’s presence. Zechariah would be mute until the birth of the child for his unbelief!
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel the angel, made another appearance. This time to a young virgin named ‘Mary’ who was betrothed to Joseph. “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33) Mary accepted God’s favor and conceived the Son of God!