Canonical Reading Plan for Oct 23, Luk 1

Today's reading is Luk 1.

Luke is written to Theophilus, a Gentile, most likely a believer. Luke is careful to explain Jewish customs and beliefs throughout his gospel to his friend. Luke, a close friend and sometimes traveling companion to Paul, makes it clear that the salvation is for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. He wants to show Theophilus that his eternal destiny is assured even though he is a Gentile. Another theme Luke has is the elevation of women in the body of Christ. For the Jewish culture of his day, Luke’s message challenges many of their customs and traditions.

We hear in Luk 1:1-17 that, after 400 years of silence, God is sending the prophet promised in Malachi 3:1a. Not only will Israel have a prophet after a four-century-long dry spell, but the messenger will be a herald preceding the Son of the Most-High, the long-awaited Messiah.

We get a lesson in believing by faith from the messenger's father, Zechariah, a priest, who wants proof of what he hears (Luk 1:18). Notice, Zechariah is not having a dream, he is fully conscious. Also, the angel is particular in the details of his message leaving little room for misinterpretation. Make no mistake, Zechariah is a good man enduring a most unusual situation. Yet, he is unable to reconcile what he hears with what he knows about his and Elizabeth’s circumstances. So, ironically, as Zechariah stands in the holy of holies talking to an angelic messenger who has supernaturally appeared before him, he asks for a sign. Gabriel graciously gives him one, nine months of silence (Luk 1:18-25). We should be careful what we ask for. God’s ways are not ours.

Another supernatural announcement heralds the arrival of the second messenger of Malachi 3:1b, the Lord Himself (Luk 1:26-38). We see a contrast between Zechariah and Mary, the virgin girl. Mary has questions as well but believes unconditionally. Zechariah does not. This is a dark portent of what is to come with some of the people believing and many of the priests and members of the Sanhedrin refusing.

Upon visiting Elizabeth, Mary sings an intimate, beautiful song of praise (Luk 1:46-56). This is not the first time we've seen a woman who makes a significant contribution to the Scriptures. Keep your eyes open as we read Luke. He does much to cause perceptions of women in the first century to be challenged. Keep in mind that each word Luke writes is inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

Luke establishes the order of arrival of the Lord and His herald. The herald, John the Baptist, goes before the Lord, Mary's baby, just as he will when they begin to minister. An Old Testament pattern is repeated here, God sends a prophet (John the Baptist) before the arrival of judgment (Jesus the Messiah).

One of the popular misconceptions about the Bible is that the Old Testament (OT) is about the Law and the New Testament (NT) is about grace. Having just finished reading the OT, we saw that it is full of the grace of the Lord as He is patient with His disobedient children. With the arrival of His only Son, the dividing line will be set. Those who reject Him will be judged eternally.