Luke Chapter 1

​Meditations on Luke
 
“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, NIV
 
     This first chapter of the 3rd gospel in the New Testament of the Bible begins with the narrative that “many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things which have been fulfilled.” From the very start of this book, we are told that an event or events have occurred which has brought fulfillment and completion.
     Luke goes onto assure us that these accounts are accurate representations “by those who were the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word.” This is an important detail that should not be 

glossed over. In police investigative work, finding firsthand accounts from people who were at the scene of the crime are critical. Why? Because these accounts are the most accurate. They contain data which will paint the clearest picture for the investigator as to what actually transpired. These first eyewitness accounts contain details closest to the initial point of origin.
     Luke also reports that he has carefully investigated all these accounts. Remember, Luke was a doctor. Just like he would have had to pay attention to all the details to make a correct patient diagnosis, we can be sure Luke made a thorough examination of the details regarding the accounts of Christ to arrive at an accurate prognosis. Remember, this is a man who examines all details from a factual and objective perspective rather than one that is emotional and subjective. We can therefore trust that Luke’s findings are accurate and thorough.
     Although Luke does not explicitly state his personal opinion, we can assume that he weighed all the evidence and has drawn a conclusion that is consistent with the findings. In other words, Luke finds the information credible and true. Luke also wants to present us with the conclusion of his findings first so that as we go forward, we can view his research from the lens of truth and factuality.
     Why does Luke want to commemorate these accounts in writing? He desires to make an orderly account so that Theophilus will have no doubts and be sure in his belief. “. . . so that you may know the certainty of what you have been taught.” It is the same for us. We, too, can relax in the wonder and awe  of these stories because we can trust the details are accurate, that the findings have been thoroughly examined, and that the conclusion is correct, In other words, we, like Theophilus, can proceed with the knowledge that what we believe and have been taught about Jesus, is absolutely certain and true.
     To know that I can trust the validity and certainty of this gospel of Christ, makes my heart leap with joy. Praise God that the gospel of Christ has been tested, tried, and found true. Praise God that we need not worry about whether God’s truth will be disproven or destroyed. Friends, we should rejoice that our faith is founded upon a firm foundation that cannot be shaken! As Easter Sunday approaches, let the proven truth of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection deepen our gratitude and intensify our rejoicing for Him. He has risen. He has risen indeed!