Luke – Page 24 – Be Still…

Luke 2:41-52 – Who’s Teaching Who?

So many thoughts run through my head as I read this passage.

How frantic Mary and Joseph must have been. Have you ever lost your child, even for a moment in a store while shopping? Remember that feeling?
Did Jesus or the religious leaders ever take a break and sleep during the 3+ days Jesus was “missing.”
How could they not know what Jesus meant, had they forgotten he was the “Son of God?”
If the religious leaders were all amazed at his answers at age 12, what happened to them when at age 30 they wanted to kill Jesus?

Did you have another revelation or thought when you read this passage? Perhaps there is something missing in your life that you want to find? I suppose the mother in me really resonates with the first one and can’t imagine the anguish Mary felt. Continue reading “Luke 2:41-52 – Who’s Teaching Who?”

Luke 2:21-40 – Hello World

Read Luke 2:21-40

Joseph and Mary continue to be faithful to their traditions and beliefs. They present their son, Jesus at the temple along with their required sacrifice. (Side note: did you notice required sacrifice was two turtledoves, and I’m writing this on the 2nd day of Christmas.)

With the events of the birth night still fresh in their minds, wouldn’t you think this young family was hoping to find some normalcy? I suppose having the son of God in your midst could always be a bit daunting, but the love for your child and the innate need to protect would certainly be strong guiding emotions. Continue reading “Luke 2:21-40 – Hello World”

Luke 2:8-20 – Gloria!

Read Luke 2:8-20

What a night! A blessed night. If you’re like me, you read these words and pictured a certain Christmas pageant from years gone by telling of the Christmas story. Maybe you even took part as an angel or shepherd. Sadly, the church I went to as a child didn’t do a nativity play. There wasn’t the anticipation each year of who will get to play Mary or an angel, etc.

When I was children’s ministry director, I made sure there was Christmas play each year, and that the story of Christ’s birth was central. So many programs written for kids these days are about snowflakes or presents or other more “holiday” type themes. Continue reading “Luke 2:8-20 – Gloria!”

Luke 2:1-7 – It’s Just the Beginning

Read Luke 2:1-7

Jesus is born. It’s a story we’ve heard many times. I want you to read it again and pretend this is the first time you read the story. There are many people walking around this planet who do not know Jesus, much less how he came to earth. These first few chapters of Luke are pivotal. There is so much wisdom that points to God’s perfect plan to save the world.

God became man, in the form of a little baby. He chose a young virgin betrothed to a man in the line of King David, to fulfill Scripture prophecies. He was born and placed in a manger. Aren’t mangers another word for animal feed trough? Our God was placed in a food bin? The lowliness of his birth is astounding. Continue reading “Luke 2:1-7 – It’s Just the Beginning”

Luke 1:67-80 – What a Prophecy!

Read Luke 1:67-80

What powerful words God gave to Zechariah. It’s almost like an answer to the question in our previous passage. You will recall the people were amazed at the events and wondered what John would “turn out to be”.

After Zechariah, the priest and father, spoke, the people gathered knew exactly who John was and what his destiny was to be. They also knew that their Lord and Savior would soon be on the scene.

This is the second of four “songs” in the book of Luke. Like Mary, Zechariah speaks of God’s marvelous deeds. Both make reference to the covenant promise with Abraham.

Did you have a favorite line from this one? I liked vv. 74 and 75, “We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.” In those days, there was a fear of God that we don’t see much today. The people had not yet met Jesus, God in the flesh, and gotten to know the true heart of God. Yet even knowing how much God loves us, so much that he sent his one and only Son, we sometimes discount the immensity of that very act. We downplay God’s power, his might, and sovereign rule over our lives. The fear is gone.

The mere fact that he has rescued us over and over again from our enemies has also gone unnoticed. God works behind the scenes to keep us safe. When we stumble or find ourselves under enemy attack, many times it is because we have stepped outside of God’s will for us.

Being a follower doesn’t mean life will be easy. It means we have a protector and friend walking beside us. It means we are doing our best to stay connected and be righteous despite the obstacles.

Zechariah’s prophecy is beautiful in it’s form. It exalts God, lifts up his own child’s destiny as intended by God, recognizes God’s perfect plan, and assures people of God’s peace.

Take a moment to rest in God’s peace today. Let your heart reflect on God’s goodness around you.

Let’s pray. Lord God, I thank you for your promise to protect me and redeem me. Thank you for accepting me despite my failures and flaws. Use me and my story to reach others for you. Give me a bold spirit to stand unafraid before my enemies. Clear my vision so that I can see what you intend for me. As John’s destiny was set even before his birth, I know you have a plan for me, too. Help me to stay on the path you have for me. Bless all that I say and do this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.