Day 274 – Luke 1, John 1

Talking Points

• Like drinking from a firehose! Get ready! Where the Old Testament was a steady progression, climbing methodically over the revelation of God and His plan of salvation from Creation to the words of Malachi, the New Testament gospels open in a burst. Each chapter is loaded with details, happenings, and events all relaying the message of our Savior, Jesus. Each word seems to bear so much meaning, it’s hard to take in. The overflow of information can knock us back in overwhelming force, as well it should. We have a Savior!
• The book of Luke is written by a doctor and close friend of Paul. He records the accounts of eyewitnesses, placing them in consecutive order, so that Theophilus and ultimately all Gentiles will “know the exact truth about the things [they] have been taught” (Luke 1:4). God’s plan is revealing the truth is summed up in Zacharias’ song concerning his son, John the Baptist: “to give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God…” (1:77-78)
• The gospel of John is written by the dear friend of Jesus, the apostle John. He writes sometime distant from the other gospel accounts, yet his purpose was the same — to clearly reveal the Truth that results in salvation. John has a unique perspective, announcing to the world that his close friend is God, is the Messiah, and is the only way to be saved. Can you imagine?!

Thoughts

Announcements. We love to make them. They can be any kind, really, but we especially love the ones that bring great joy. I got the job! We won! It’s a girl! A resulting smile is almost built into the words as we hear them.

After 400 years of silence, can you imagine the joy as God announces good news — Salvation is here! As we begin the gospel accounts (gospel literally means “good story” or “good news”), the announcements seem to come with such force and frequency that one is staggered in their happy reception. Good news — God has kept His word! Good news — the forerunner is born! Good news — our Savior has come! Good news — “God With Us” is here! Good news — His name is Jesus! Good news – by faith in Him we become children of God! And, on and on the announcements flood in!

The wildest part? Today, as we read these same announcements, the resulting joy has not changed. The smiles still cannot be contained. And, most importantly, the hope they bring still endures — by faith in Jesus, we become children of God! Praise the Lord for good news! Praise the Lord — He is good news!