1Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilleda among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3With 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, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Comments
Luke is making it clear that he is attempting to write history, not tell or story or a myth. He is not writing an inspiring novel or new set of rules. Luke is writing history and has been proven to be an excellent historian. He is not claiming to have seen all these events himself but rather that he is collecting the teachings of those who were eyewitnesses. We can, and should, safely read this as history. If this book were written about someone who had no moral implications on the world it would be used extensively in our history classrooms all over the world. No other ancient writing has been examined for historic flaws a critically as the Gospel of Luke, and it has yet to be found in error.
But that is not why we are reading this. We are reading to know God better and become more unified with him. With this in mind, note that even the introduction, as simple as it is, is the Word of God and most certainly speaks to us.
In that first sentence note that these things did not just “happen”, they were “fulfilled”. If someone’s life “fulfills” something it was either a prediction, or a purpose. In Jesus’ case it was certainly both. The Old Testament is, in it’s entirety, a prophecy of Jesus’ life and and declaration of his mission.
I believe that Jesus was also sent to be the perfect example for us, and thus, we too must fulfill a both a prediction and a purpose. The God who created the universe created you with a plan in mind. He may not have given the world a written prophecy of your life, but he has surely written it on your heart and soul. There is a plan and purpose for your life created just for you and written on your heart by God himself.
We can choose to live a life seeking happiness, or things, or whatever, but that is not why we were created. If we want a fulfilling life, we need to fulfill the plan and purpose God has written for us. In doing this we will be imitating Jesus. We will be the good servants, and we will be blessed beyond measure.
Happiness is shallow goal almost never achieved by those who seek it, but almost always give to those who are on a mission to fulfill a purpose. A fulfilling life beats a happy life every time.
Prayer
Lord, inspire me to seek the purpose and plan you have for me in this life and to fulfill it as you fulfilled yours. Give me the wisdom to know your plan for me and the courage to step out in faith to fulfill that plan.
Step out, be courageous, I will lead.
