Ever wonder about the 40-year Wander? and Hello, Luke!

 

Giving into fear, despite the evidence...

 

Ever wonder why the Children of Israel had to wander for 40 years? Especially since they clearly knew the way, given that recon mission... 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. 
 
After all that God had done for them, including the ten plagues in Egypt... 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've tested me 10 times... despite those 10 plagues and all I did for you... 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 What's in a geneology? and who baptized Jesus?

  

And now we are in Luke, our Gospel for this next year. 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 Theophilus... Who was Theophilus? Now, there's a mystery.  Is he really a gentile official?  Or is he a stand in for all of us Theo-philes? God-lovers?  

  

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?  Already we've seen a different geneology (Matthew traces back to the First Jewish Man, Abraham; Luke to the First Man, Adam, son of God...)  

 

And did you notice who baptized Jesus in the Gospel according to Luke? Or maybe a better question: who did not? John the Baptist is in prison, so.... Notice in this paragraph the one "subject" with an active-tense "predicate":  

 

Finally, Herod put John in jail, and this was the worst thing he had done. 

21 While everyone else was being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. Then as he prayed, the sky opened up, 
22 and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, "You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you."

 

 

 

Hint: the role of the Holy Spirit is a powerful theme throughout Luke's writings...

 

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.  

  

Have fun! and Welcome to Luke!

  

Peace,
Paige+  
 
PS David Moseley has offered some great forums on Luke... enjoy! (with apologies, that session 4 below did not record :(  )

  

 

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

Office (858) 755-1616 Ext. 101 * Cell 858-248-7247