Daily Devotional for Monday, December 1

The Preface

“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which form the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word,” Luke 1:1, 2.

While truth never changes, words and how we use them have changed throughout history. For example, consider the word apology. In its current use, the word apology means to say we are sorry for some perceived wrong or offense. If I have offended you, I owe you an apology.

However, apology has not always meant an admission of guilt coupled with a feeling of remorse. In its early usage (fifteenth century) an apology was a defense, a justification, which stated why a writing was relevant and true.  The first section of many classic books, such as John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, is the author’s apology. In it, Bunyan states his case for his work. It is from this same word we derive our word apologetics, the defense of the Christian faith.

In a similar fashion, the first four verses of Luke 1 serve as Luke’s apology or his reason for writing. Luke states his subject, “those things which are most surely believed among us” (verse 1). Concerning this subject, Luke assured us that the facts to which he attests are not merely rumor or hearsay, but rather from eyewitnesses. Luke further defends his writing by pointing to his personal, perfect understanding of all things from the very first. What is the basis of Luke’s perfect understanding? Luke was inspired, word for word, by the Holy Spirit of God! Luke also stated that his writing was according to correct order, nothing is out of place. Finally, Luke declared that his written testimony serves to remove any doubt that the facts concerning Jesus and His ministry are not uncertain and may be trusted.

A FINAL THOUGHT

For the same reasons, Theophilus could receive and believe the testimony of Luke, so may you receive and believe in Jesus and the facts concerning Him.

                                                                                                                           John Nations