Luke 1-2

Today, we start reading Luke, another gospel in the New Testament.  You know me, I like to get a little background on what I am reading, and I found some good stuff about Luke from Grace to You.  Luke is thought to be a Gentile, the only Gentile to write books of scripture.  He is also the author of the book of Acts.  Luke was a missionary with the apostle Paul, who describes him as a physician.  In this book, Luke writes to a guy named Theophilus, a Roman dignitary, describing what he knows to be true about Jesus and our Christian life, based on his own confirmed research.  For sure, Luke's writing has a much bigger audience and purpose than the single man he addresses.




Luke 1-2 explains the connection between John the Baptist and Jesus.  We come to understand the relationship more.  We meet these amazing, faithful mothers, Elizabeth and Mary.  And we get to know these strong, faithful fathers, Zechariah and Joseph.  The Holy Spirit is at work throughout these two chapters.  Zechariah, Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, John, Jesus, Simeon, and Anna the prophet are all moved by the Holy Spirit.  I love hearing how the Holy Spirit works in their lives.  I pray for the Holy Spirit to fill me and guide me all the time in my prayers.  In today's reading, I get to see what that looks like in the lives of others.  It is a beautiful thing.  God uses people for amazing purposes.  For sure, the Holy Spirit comes on God's time, somewhat unexpectedly, and takes over.  And when He does, our lives are full of blessings.  I love what flows from Mary's heart.

“My soul glorifies the Lord
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name."
Luke 1:46-49

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for stories that live on through your Holy, Living Word.  I am so thankful for all your faithful servants that strengthen my faith by their works and words.  Thank you for the saving grace I have in the life, death, and resurecction of your Son, Jesus.  Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.  You are the joy in my life.  I pray you will use me in your great story of transforming mercy, grace, and love.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit I pray,

Amen

Love in Christ,