Week 18—Sunday Luke 24:15-21
Luke 24:15-21
“THE TRUTH CONCERNING THE THINGS”
We turn now from Luke’s Gospel to Luke’s Acts of the Apostles. In the Gospel he begins by saying: “It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely . . . to write an orderly account . . . that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed” (Luke 1:3-4). Here the Gospel account is described, not as truths expounded, but as Truth exposed—“followed all things”—the truth concerning “the things.” Here, the Gospel is not an academic discussion of truth—a set of doctrines about life, but an interpretation of “things,” not ideas, but “things” that have happened—better, “accomplished.” Some “things” had happened on this earth that had never happened before—our planet has been invaded by God—redemptively invaded. That is the biggest and most decisive “thing” that has ever happened or can happen on this planet. Our feverish and well-advertised efforts to land on the moon, or Mars, are passing events even if accomplished, for what would we have to bring to these satellites and planets? The good news that we are about to blow our planet to pieces, come and join us?
This is all massive child’s play. But this is worthy of our Heavenly Father, Creator of worlds, to go and personally redeem a race that has lost its way. This is cosmic news—the Good News, that will make every planet, every cell, every thing dance with joy at the wonder of it. Of all the things that have happened, or could happen this is the thing. But it is a thing, not an idea, not a teaching, not a proclamation—it is the Central Cosmic Fact: God appeared on a little planet to take us by the hand and put us back on the Way. This is news—Good News—comparatively speaking, the only Good News that ever reached our planet.
O Father God, we thank you, thank you for the heart of love that could not rest until it found this one lost sheep, this planet of ours. You left the ninety and nine in heaven to find us, to find me. Read my gratitude and my love. Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY: I shall be a demonstration of this “thing” and not merely a declarer of this idea.