Day One – Luke 1:1-25

Today’s scripture is Luke 1:1-25; and is broken into three sections. 

1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With 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, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

The Gospel of Luke is unique in its beginning. Rather than jumping into the action, the author shares their purpose and audience. Luke is writing an orderly account to the audience of someone named Theophilus. We might have many questions about who Theophilus is, but something is clear. Luke knows the purpose of this writing. 

“So that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

 As we begin this 50 journey, spend time asking God to reveal who Jesus is. Invite Christ to expand and deepen your faith and perspective.

 The Scripture continues…

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

 Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story shakes up our expectation of God. Scripture shares they were of great pedigree . They were “righteous in the sight of God observing all of the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.” Yet even though they were exemplary, moral life did not turn out the way they had hoped. They had dreams and longings unfulfilled- namely a child.

 Our default thinking is that God blesses those who deserve it. People like Zechariah and Elizabeth. But is that true? Many good people suffer, have loss and live with unfulfilled dreams.

What are the longings of your heart now? What are the dreams that are not realized? Take them to God.

 Scripture continues…

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Zecharaiah and Elizabeth’s life was about to drastically change. They were about to receive a gracious gift from God. But before it was received, they both withdrew. Zecharaiah withdrew in silence. Elizabeth withdrew in seclusion. What do you think they learned in that season of life? 

 Perhaps, your life is in transition right now. Are you willing to withdraw into intimacy with God? What bubbles up in you when you think of that? 

Regardless, take this moment to share your desire to go deeper with God in this season or in this 50 day journey.