Luke Chapter 3

This '1 thing' provided much food for thought which is ongoing .

What struck me here is the command that if we have even one item over and above the absolute basics we are to share with those who have not.

In this example provided in Chap 3 we are told that if you have two tunics (note only two) we are to give away the extra one to someone who has not.

Many people in the West would consider this to be madness. Only having two shirts for instance would be considered more than below the poverty line and yet we are commanded by God to be ready to give one away.

When one looks at the Church in the West (and elsewhere), and by Church I am of course referring to the people, not the buildings, we need to realise that we are soaked in almost unimaginable wealth.

What many Christians would consider to give away would be from what they see as 'excess to requirements' which falls a long way short of the Biblical injunction and standard.

I note also in passing that the soldiers in v4 are not told by John the Baptist to give up soldiering or to become pacifists, he tells them to be honest and content with what they have. How very different from what many Christians spout these days.

Luke Chapter 2

What stood out for me here was the Shepherds involvement.

Shepherds were considered a despicable class, commonly regarded as little better than thieves.

Yet to such as these was granted not only the news of the birth of the Christ, but also a huge display of the heavenly hosts singing praises, now that must have been some concert - can you imagine the tonal perfection..... sorry, of course not, how could we.

Only Elisha and his servant are recorded as having also seen an angelic host (2Ki 6:17)

I note in passing that the Magi do not rate a mention in Luke's account of the virgin birth, but the start of the greatest event in all of history was given to those considered despised and lowly. Praise the Lord.

Luke Chapter 1

What struck me in Chap:1 was the circumstances of Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was barren for nearly her whole married life. In Jewish society of the time this was seen as a curse, but as it transpired Elizabeth was not in fact cursed.

Her circumstances were according to the purposes of God. She was to be the mother of the Herald of the Christ, John the Baptist.

Not only was the birth of the Christ miraculous (virgin birth), but the birth of His herald was also miraculous through the unlocking of Elizabeths barren womb.

I also note in passing the similarity between Abraham & Sarah and Zechariah & Elizabeth, as in one son, late in life according to Gods purposes.

Luke: 1 Chapter; 1 thing

My next run of posts is going to be built around the concept of working through Luke and picking out one thing that strikes me from each Chapter.