Sometimes we forget that “Satan” has his own ambassadors. They are astute at the craft of deception. They will spin a tale about one’s weakness and even more implausible, God’s inability to protect us from Satan’s wiles, temptations, and storytelling. God had a plan from day one. That plan included the following. In a galaxy far far away The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit determined that it was time for “The Son’s prophecy to Abraham to come about.” So, Luke began the story that changed to the destiny of Humanity.
The Book of Luke was written about c 58-50 and it was written to Theophilus by Paul’s beloved physician, Luke. (See the Britannica’s expose on Luke here.) There are many discussions about who Theophilus was; some people think that the word Theophilus means (theo = “God; philos = “friend”.)
Combined the word means “friend or lover of God.” That is not as important as the message that was sent to him; therefore, I will not dwell on it. The purpose of the ebook of luke was clearly stated “That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” Compare this sentence in the many versions of the Bible and one will create a mental image of Luke’s intent. [Click here to see the versions.]
1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Excerpts are from the Book of Luke. Bible Gateway. Com.
I found it fascinating that Luke clarified the source of his writings. This was not a word of mouth event. Yes, he did determine that he was going to chronicle the “things” that we believe. But it was based on the best evidence “eyewitness” testimony. The Old Testament (OT) talks about that when one is adjudicating a matter.
See: OT Deuteronomy 19:15; Numbers 35:30 Deuteronomy 17:6
The New Testament (NT) also speaks about eyewitnesses.
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 And they had no child because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. 8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, 9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; many shall rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 7, And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. What would you do, today, if an angel of the Lord appeared before you and started to tell you what would happen to you? Well, let’s just make it even more real. You have been unable to conceive a child for your entire marriage and now, really, now you’re supposed to believe that your OLD wife is going to give birth? We will say that we believe it, but the truth is that we probably would not. It takes a lot of faith to accept this huge miracle. Today, many people would say that they would definitely believe this miracle. Well here is the rub, we can’t even follow the scientific evidence regarding this virus. I don’t think that – without this story as our guide – that we would automatically believe the angel
19 And the angel answering said unto him, [I will interject our vernacular her, “Let me just remind you who I said I am. Do you remember the angel who talked to Daniel? The one who fought the demons and had to call on Michael to help me? Right. I am that same angel!”
He said, “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. 20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
21 And the people waited for Zacharias and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. I remember telling someone – some many years ago, that the Lord revealed something to me. Their response was, “incredulous!” So, how was “Z” suppose to convince the people out there who had forgotten that the same YHWH that parted the Red Sea, is the one to whom they were praying at that very same time? Remember they were under Roman occupation. They forgot about all the prophecies that told them what would happen to them if they did NOT obey YHWH. But God.
23 And it came to pass, that as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. 24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, God said it would happen and it did. The next time someone proclaims a prophecy over your life. Take it and receive it as long as it lines up with God’s will for your life.
25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. 26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Now it is Mary’s turn.
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her. Basically, he said, “don’t worry, Mary. You are going to have a baby.” Yes, in a society where you will be stoned to death for becoming pregnant outside of marriage, I am telling you that you are going to have a baby.” Also, Jewish girls of that period usually became engaged when they were twelve or thirteen years old. Actually, for legal purposes, this engagement was regarded as the first stage of a marriage. However, the girl would normally remain with her parents for about a year before living with her husband and consummating the marriage. Poor Joseph would also have been shamed because he breached the marriage contract or allowed his wife, who became pregnant by another person, to remain his wife. (See this explanation.)
Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom, there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35
Mary was stymied. What would you do if your daughter came to you and told you that she was pregnant but she never had intercourse with anyone? You would tell her that she was telling an untruth, wouldn’t you? No to mention the absolute shame that you would have experienced from your neighbors when they found out that your “loose daughter” was pregnant! Those are the kind of words that we would have used, aren’t they? So, the angel explained to her how it would happen.
You Are Not the Only One 
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