Lenten Devotional
I have had to a lot of writing and creative work the past few days, and I must admit that there juices are just not flowing well today. So, this is very late in the day. I hope a few people still catch it and read. But if you think I have skipped another day, I understand. But I wanted to get a few notes in for today about our reading. Today we start Luke. The good doctor (at least that is what tradition said his occupation was) is thorough in his report to Theophilus. We are not sure who this Theophilus is or what part he played in the early church. But Luke dedicates two books to telling him all about the life of Jesus and the actions of his followers after the resurrection. I will admit Luke is a great book for all the information he gives about Jesus life and work. If it wasn't for name sake I would call Luke my favorite gospel.
My favorite part of the first chapter is that we get to learn so much more about John the Baptist. In the other gospels we just know he is some person out in the wilderness calling people back to God and making the way ready for Jesus' ministry. We learn that he also baptizes Jesus to start His teaching ministry. We learn of the family relationship between Jesus and John. I enjoy the startling news to Zechariah in the temple that he was going to become a father.
Many times in the gospel story we just gloss over the ministry of John because it is short, under reported and doesn't seem important. But, John's ministry is essential to what Jesus was about to start. John would be called the warm up act in today's circles. He was the one to get the crowd ready to hear what Jesus was going to teach about and actions accomplished. John introduced Jesus to a lot of people. The introduction is just as important as the main act. With bad introduction, people may not of paid attention of even realized Jess was around. Everyone needs to be introduced by someone.
Think back for a moment and think about who introduced you to Jesus for the first time. Was it a parent, Sunday School teacher, or a close friend? Where would you be today if they did not introduce you to Jesus? Now think about all the people you have introduced to friends in your life. How have those introductions changed their lives? Did you introduce someone to a soon to be spouse? A new best friend? In those introductions how much work did it take on your part? Not much I assume. Are we willing to be the introduction of Jesus to others as our best friend? I hope yes. Jesus still needs introduced to people today.
No comments:
Post a Comment