VB171 Can You Believe It?
Can You Believe It?
[Lk 1:1-18]
Today’s disciples realize that Luke wrote two books in the New Testament. His gospel and the book of Acts. Those two books make up about 30 percent of the Greek New Testament.
Lk 1:1-4 (NASB) – [1] Since many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, [2] just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, [3] it seemed fitting to me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in an orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus; [4] so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.
The life and message of Jesus Christ is so important that many books had already been written about Him, but not everything written could be trusted (v.4). Luke wrote his gospel so that his readers might have an accurate and orderly narrative of the life, ministry, and message, of Jesus Christ.
Luke had carefully researched his material, interviewed eyewitnesses, and listened to those who had ministered the Word. Most importantly he had the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “From the beginning” (v.2) can be translated, “from the start.”1 The phrase “from the beginning” (v.3) should be translated “from the very first” or even better “from above” (cf. Jn 3:31; 19:11)2 which confirms the inspiration of the Spirit of God is on the message that Luke wrote.
Paul referred to Luke as a physician in Colossians 4:14.
Luke claimed to be an historian here in Luke 1:1-4. He carefully researched his material for specific reasons. He consulted eyewitnesses for information (1:2). He probably gathered details and facts on the youth of Jesus from his mother Mary.
So even though Dr. Luke was led by the Spirit, he was a scholar who made sure details were in “an orderly sequence” which leads me to believe The Gospel According To Luke is likely the most organized writing about our Lord Jesus.
Luke introduces to us an old man and his wife. In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, and his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. They both observed all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly (v.6). But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren.
The Mishnah3 tells us that the various offices of priests and Levites in the daily service were determined by casting lots. On the day that it was Zechariah’s turn to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense while the multitude of people prayed outside for the hour.
Zechariah freaked out when an angel showed up at the altar of incense. The angel said, “…your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” The angel even went on to explain the child’s adult ministry.
Lk 1:18 (ESV) –And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”
The father of John the Baptist was a Spirit-filled priest (v.67). I find it interesting that Zechariah (also Zacharias), means Jehovah remembers.4
Read Luke 1:5-25
Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous people (v. 6) who prayed for a child for many years. They felt the same disappointments and frustrations that any of us would feel, and yet they kept believing God. The Lord finally answered their prayers and sent His angel to announce the good news.
What was Zechariah’s reaction? He couldn’t believe it! The very thing that he had been praying for was granted, and he doubted that it was true. In Zechariah’s case, he received his miracle anyway. Perhaps his wife’s faith pulled him through.
Likewise, you may be praying for the right things. You may even be sincere and earnest, but would you be surprised if those prayers were suddenly answered today? Have you made preparations for your prayers to be answered?
Before the children of Israel were actually delivered from Egypt, they ate the Passover meal by faith. Their bags were packed and ready to go. We need to anticipate our prayers being answered.
Right now, imagine how you would feel or what you would do if the answer to your prayers was manifested this very minute. Then, as much as possible begin to think and act that way. You’ll find out that your whole attitude will change as you focus on your answer instead of the problem.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see as you see. I want to envision my prayers answered. It is my desire to rejoice between my “amen” and the manifestation of my petitions.
I thank you Father, that I am no longer shocked and amazed when you bless me with ansered prayers. The thing that will continue to amaze me is that I get to fellowship with the Creator and King of the universe!
Thank you for this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God bless you my friend,
1Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study New Testament, KJV (Chattanooga: AMG, 1992), ref. G746.
2Ibid. ref. G509.
3The Mishnah is a foundational text in Jewish tradition, a compilation of oral Jewish law (Halakhah) and teachings, compiled around 200 CE, and forms the first part of the Talmud.
2Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study New Testament, KJV (Chattanooga: AMG, 1992), ref. G2197.