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. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided 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 1:1-4
“When you open [Luke’s] Gospel, think that what is written there – the words and deeds of Christ – is something that you should not only know but live. Everything, every point that is told there, has been gathered, detail by detail, for you to make it come alive in the individual circumstances of your life. You too, like the Apostles, will burn to ask, full of love, ‘Lord what would you have me do?’ And to your soul you will hear the conclusive answer, ‘the will of God!’ Take up the Gospel every day then, and read it and live it as a definite rule. This is what the saints have done.”
Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) in The Forge (Strongsville: Scepter, 2002) 754.
Luke devoted himself to research and gave us a definite rule, a Gospel that teaches us how to live, give, serve, and love generously.
I post this today for three reasons. Firstly, my Tuesday morning Bible study agreed to undertake a deep study of this Gospel over the next 6 months. So. I will study it.
Secondly, I am headed to San Diego today with my son-in-law to attend ETS, IBR, and SBL. At these conferences I will learn and also deliver a paper related to my 1 Timothy research. I deliver my paper on Friday and will make it available here later in the week.
Research is a good thing. When we give a portion of our time to we gain in abundance the investment of time. We get a great return. Is it time for you to do some deep research or study?
Thirdly, what if you make Luke’s Gospel a definite rule for your life? A definite rule or rule of life is a set of commitments that give structure to everyday living and foster spiritual growth. It comes from the Latin word for “trellis.”
As trellis helps a plant grow and bear fruit, Luke’s Gospel provides a comprehensive account of the life of Jesus giving us everything we need to know to live out the Christian faith.
And, related to generosity, Luke cites the rich man repeatedly. If you read those texts together, the rich man goes from foolish, selfish, and greedy (Luke 12:13-21) to faithful, saved, and generous (Luke 19:1-10). I hope it impacts you in that same way.
And no book in the Bible will get you in the Christmas spirit faster than Luke’s Gospel. Enjoy.