What do you have to do to have to wander 40 years in the Wilderness? and Welcome to Luke!

 

Fear will get ya every time...

 

So today we find out... just what did the Israelites do that was so bad they had to wander for 40 years in the Wilderness, so bad that only two of that generation (Caleb and Joshua) would be allowed to enter the Land of Milk and Honey?  Fear got 'em. That reconnaissance team went into the Promised Land and scoped things out, and when they returned they (all but Caleb) made all sorts of excuses about why it was too scary for them to enter then land--despite God's promises to them. They even invoked the Nephilim, whom we haven't seen since the story of Noah and the flood. They get everyone else in a tizzy, crying out "Why did God bring us here to die? We should have stayed in Egypt!"  and that's that. Cursing God's deliverance from slavery and oppression is just not a good idea... So God says, "Fine then. You can just wander around the wilderness till all y'all over 20 are dead, and your descendants can enter the Land of Milk and Honey instead!" (So there!)  Not a particularly flattering portrayal of the Lord. But there is some great truth in the story-- when we turn our backs on God's grace, there are consequences.
 
Welcome to Luke: historian, doctor, evangelist...

 

And now we are in Luke. I'm guessing it didn't take long to notice the difference in Luke and Mark's writing styles. I love how Luke lays out his methodology before launching into the story:
 
 "Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed." 
 

Most excellent Theolphilus... Now here's some wondering fun. Theophilus-- is he really a gentile official?  Or is he a stand in for all of us Theo-philes? God-lovers?  

 

David Moseley offered a series on Luke last May that you might enjoy taking in.  I apologize, but the final session didn't record. Big bummer. But you may enjoy the first three, as well as the pre-quell from December 2009 on the birth narrative. I've pasted in links to the playbacks below.

 

Enjoy this journey with Luke.  And it is a journey. Notice how Jesus is described as being "on the way" or "on the road," and what is happening in those moments.  Some of the best-known stories and beloved parables are found in this Gospel. It might just be my favorite of the four... Might just.  What do you notice about Luke's portrayal of Jesus, his favorite words, the things he emphasizes and highlights? The differences between Luke's Gospel and Mark and Matthew? Have fun! and Welcome to Luke!

  

Peace,
Paige+  
 

The Birth of the Savior of the World
 
The Gospel Accd to Luke pt 1
 
The Gospel Accd to Luke pt 2
 
The Gospel Accd to Luke pt 3
 
 
 

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the Rev. Paige Blair

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