Grow. Pray. Study. Daily Guide from the United Methodist Church
of the Resurrection - Tuesday, 7 January 2014 – "What the original
eyewitnesses…handed down to us"
Daily Scripture: Luke 1: Dedication to Theophilus
1 Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of
the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed on to
us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,
3 I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very
first,[a] to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so
that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been
instructed.
Footnotes:
a. Luke 1:3 Or for a long time
Reflection Questions:
First-century readers attached great importance to the testimony
of eyewitnesses to battles, political events and the like. When Luke, who
entered the New Testament story midway through the book of Acts, set out to
write the story of Jesus, he did not falsely inflate his own knowledge of
events. He honestly reported that his role was that of investigator and
reporter. His story, he said, relied on what he learned from those who WERE
eyewitnesses.
Scholar Mark Strauss noted, "What strikes the reader first
is the piling up of terms of historical reliability. Not only has Luke received
his information from first–generation Christians—eyewitnesses and the original
ministers of God's message of salvation—but he has also…carefully investigated
these accounts to ensure they are true." Since many contemporaries of
Jesus were alive when Luke wrote, what does his confidence in claiming
historical reliability tell you about the importance he attached to it?
The title "most excellent" applied to many people of
high social status, and the Greek name Theophilus meant "one who loves
God." Luke probably wrote specifically to a Christian convert from the
upper ranks of Greek or Roman society. What reasons would Luke have for wanting
such a person to "have confidence in the soundness of the instruction you
have received"? Do you believe the historical soundness of our faith still
matters today?
Today's Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Luke wanted Theophilus to know he could trust the
gospel account of your life. I want to trust that account, too—please be with
me in my thinking and study. Amen.
Tuesday, 7 January 2014 – Insight from Shawn Simpson
Shawn Simpson serves as the Director of Technical Arts and
Operations at The Church of the Resurrection’s West campus in Olathe, KS.
When I was in college I had a history professor who was a master
at using movies, videos, pictures, paintings, and all manner of media to tell
the story. At first, I enjoyed his class because it was like going to movies
and getting credit for it. What made me take 3 more semesters with him was that
he brought a new perspective to the telling of the events. He combined the
media with thorough context and impeccable documentation. There was no opinion
in his teaching. He brought the information forward in a way that was
consumable and memorable without all the fluff of emotions, except where they
were catalytic to the situation.
I’ve always been appreciative of knowing the “whats and whens”
of a situation over anything else. Often, I find myself frustrated with my own
boys because when something happens, they immediately go into the “why and how”
of the event. “What was that noise?” “Well, you see, my brother was saying that
his forehead was stronger than mine so we HAD to do something…so then he…and
then I…and can we have a snack?” All I really wanted to know is if that sound
was actually the ceiling fan hitting somebody’s head or not. We can deal with
WHY you’d stick your head in there later. Right? Right.
I’m sure there is much to be gained from a creative telling of
any story and I do enjoy films where the writer interprets historical events.
The key for me is that the events are well documented elsewhere so that I can
stand my own vision up against that of the story. That’s where Luke’s gospel
stands for me. I can read about the miracles and changed hearts and lives of
Jesus’ travels. What adds substance to those things is knowing that there is a
solid telling of the story from the perspective of people who were there.
Without the straight-line account, all of the poignant and emotional accounts
stand without structure. Combined together, the gospels really are the greatest
story ever told.
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United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, KS 66224 United States
(913)897-0120
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