Luke 1 reminds me of being different. As a “yankee”, that was raised Catholic, coming to a church in Georgia was a cultural challenge. I did not have the same background, vernacular or heritage as anyone else there, but the truth of God’s Word overcame every human difference. Luke was the only Gentile writer in the Bible; he was a highly educated Greek, so his understanding of Jewish culture came through observation. His letter is the result of interviews, and his own firsthand account. He wrote his research of the Redeemer in the language of the common man. Luke reveals the source of his information, “handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses… since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you”. Luke begins his investigation with the birth of John the Baptist. After establishing the dates and location, he describes “a priest named Zechariah” and “his wife Elizabeth… Both of them were righteous in the sight of God”. They were faithful in their duties in honoring God, “But they were childless”. Bareness was perceived to be the absence of God’s blessing, and drew suspicious looks. Old Zechariah was chosen “to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense”. While alone inside, “an angel of the Lord appeared to him” to give him a special promise; “Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John… he will be great in the sight of the Lord… And go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah… to make ready a people”. How did Zech respond? “How can I be sure of this?” Is there a clear promise you are hesitant to accept?
In contrast to Zechariah’s skepticism, Elizabeth was ecstatic, “The Lord has done this for me… He has shown His favor and taken away my disgrace”. This is a great reminder that Joy and Hope look forward. Where are you focused?
Luke continues, “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph”. We are told Joe is “a descendant of David”. While Mary is certainly not sinless, she is specifically chosen, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you… you have found favor with God”. Mary’s reaction gives us great insight, “Mary was greatly troubled at his words”. There is a humility and surprise that anyone would think of her in those terms. The angel explains the unexplainable, “You will conceive and give birth to a Son, and you are to call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end”. Every Jew would recognize these terms as references to Messiah. Again her response shows no hint of cynicism. “How will this be since I am a virgin?” Mary is only told, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be calledthe Son of God”. Her reply reveals her unselfish faith, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled”. Elizabeth explains why Mary is special, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” The chapter ends with 2 songs expressing gratitude. “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come to His people and redeemed them”. God continues to fulfill His promises today through those who are willing. My friend, is it time for something different? Search for the blessings in your life and then, offer thanks. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).