March 12, 2014, Wednesday to March 13, 2014, Thursday
TODAY
Today is the first reading of the Book of Luke. I will read, on average, twenty-five verses a week and will reflect on them, pray them, study them, apply them, review them, and try to hold them close to my heart and treasure them all day and night.
I hope you’ll do the same.
I recommend you read this book as a devotional source to help you learn more about Jesus and the Word—along with the book of Luke. Hence, I hope you’ll start a prayer journal (which is a journal in which your audience is God) and write your thoughts about what you read, learn, apply, what you say to God, what God says to you, and review what you’ve learned—each day, week, and month.
Therefore, buy a prayer journal or set one up on your computer or as an app on your cell. Go ahead and do that before you read another word of this blog post series or book.
I will use first and foremost THE MESSAGE BIBLE—and that’s for when I read the passage for the first time.. Then, after that, I will look at eight others (EXB, GW, HCSB, NOG, NASB, NCV, NKJV, and NLT) or more. THE MESSAGE is what I go to first because it isn’t the version I quote when I quote Scripture or think of it. It’s much more modern. It gives me a new slant on all of the familiar stuff. I don’t know about you, but when I read familiar passages or verses, that I’ve read over and over in the past, I tend to make the hugely regrettable error of not reading every single word (hate that, but it’s true).
Consequently, that’s one of the reasons why I do my best to read several versions, so it forces me to read every single word—and slowly. It’s also why reading THE MESSAGE helps. But, there’s another reason why I read several versions or translations: It brings more understanding of the verse. The more versions or translations of the Bible I read and study, the deeper of an understanding I will gain of the text of the passage. This is, frankly, the most important reason. Hence, there are times I will use even more than nine versions of the Bible.
How often do I look at multiple translations—any time I am studying a verse or passage is when. I also do this when a verse or passage catches m eye.
I try to look at least one verse in multiple versions every day. For this journaling and memoir—a reflection, reading, and Bible study—I will try to use at least three versions or translations, if not more, depending.
It depends on how deep you want to go with the Word. The rule of thumb is this: The deeper you want to go, read more versions.
I would say the bare minimum of a verse or passage you want to learn more about, use at least three versions, preferable nine or more.
Every day when you approach this blog post series, or book, and most certainly the Bible, pray the following verses.
Here’s the link on where to find them on my blog, so you can find it easily:
????????? ADD LINK HERE !!!!!!!!!!
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
-- NLT: Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
PRAYER: Lord, help me live a life of intentionality, where I get to know You and your Word more each day.
24 Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
--NLT: Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to listen to You—and to listen far more to You and your Word than I speak or think.
Before I continue, I have a request. If I write, “See Verse” so and so, please do so. Look all of them up and do so each time. There is a reason why I write them here. They add more depth and meaning to the verse or passage we study, along with how we live a life of Jesus. Skipping them shortchanges the process.
Here is yet one more request. Look up e very verse I mention or write out. Look it up in your favorite version, then in THE MESSAGE, then in at least one more.
Why? I could have misquoted a verse or a word in a verse. Do not trust me. I am human. I error and am sinful. Don’t just trust what I say (or write). Instead, look it up for yourself. This will make it a great deal more meaningful to you and will allow God the opportunity to speak.
You are human. Hence, you are a sinner and see with finite eyes. What you think you know, you may not. And, what you know may be a little faulty or incomplete. Therefore, with every verse or passage I mention, read at least four verses before and after—preferably seven or more—even if it goes into another book of the Bible or a different chapter.
Why? It’s because it provides context, so you can make sure your understanding is full and complete. Never mind, deep and it will help you mature in your faith.
Plus, the more you are in the Bible for yourself, the more God will bless you and talk to you—if you slow down long enough to listen.
I realize everything I just requested takes more time, work, and intentionality. Sure. But, it’s God and the Holy Bible we’re talking about. Jesus sacrificed His life for us. I think we can give up a little time, work, and be more intentional. He’s worth it—and so is our faith. After all, we seek a life of Jesus.
Yes. This is a journaling memoir. But, I also want to make sure you get something out of this. That’s why I also say it’s a devotional Bible study. I don’t want you to read this and not get anything out of it. As you read it, your faith should increase. If it doesn’t, why read this at all? Or why read anything else for that matter?
This isn’t a trick question, by the way. Luke wrote this book. He also wrote the Book of Acts. He was a physician and was Paul’s physician, by the way (see Colossians 4:13-15; Philemon 1:24; and 2 Timothy 4:10-11). As a physician he was quite detail-oriented. He was factual.
He approached his book as a historian as well, which only meant he wanted to make sure to capture the details all the more. He wanted to make sure to capture all of the scenes and knowledge of the life of Jesus in his letter.
The Book of Luke is a letter. It’s also a historical recollection. It’s an accounting of the facts, which he researched for himself—in order to bring the Gentile (Non-Jewish individual/s) world to know Jesus Christ.
Luke was the only Gentile writer of the New Testament, and thus of the four gospels.
Another interesting fact is how he also never met Jesus.
WHEN WERE THE FOUR GOSPELS WRITTEN?
The answer varies with each commentary read. Let me give you some examples (each period marks a different source, by the way):
Jesus lived about 27-30 AD, for a point of reference.
Luke: 80-100 AD. 60-100. 60-70. 59-63. 70-80.
Matthew: 70-100 AD. 80-85. 50-70s. 60-70.
John: 80-100 AD. 80-90. 90-100. 90-110. 85-100. 50-70.
Mark: 60-70 AD. About 60. 50-60. 68-73. 65-70.
I’m shaking my head. How about you?
Well, it’s safest to say the four gospels were written after Jesus was murdered through crucifixion, was buried, resurrected, and appeared again.
Does this really change anything about our faith or about Jesus Christ? Really? I think not. And, if it does, then whoever thinks this has forgotten the major foundation of the Christian faith: Belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah, as our Lord, Savior, Redeemer. Period. A date does not change this fact. Jesus so is far above dates it’s unreal. So, let’s not get bogged down here.
Please read this in THE MESSAGE version and translation of the Bible.
Prayer journal your thoughts—as you read and after you finish the reading.
Then, read another version and prayer journal your thoughts.
1-4 So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story’s beginning, I decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught.
-- MSG: Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
The passage of Luke 1:1-4 tells me how Luke was a historian who researched and reported on his findings about the person of Jesus and the events in His life.
Luke 1:1-7 / Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
1 Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. 3 It also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. 7 But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.
-- HCSB: Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
LUKE 1:1
Look this verse up in multiple versions or translations of the Bible.
Several things jump out at me about Luke 1:1. First of all, Luke is honest. He shared how MANY. Several. More than one has compiled and declared what took place and what was fulfilled in Scripture. A great deal was accomplished—and many or several got it down on the page. They told the story and given a narrative. Many have given an accounting. Many have told the story of what took place and happened and how it fulfilled Scripture. Luke told how many believed in what happened.
Can you see how Luke wrote his gospel or letter as a matter of vital importance? Many believed at the time, so Luke hoped that would help many today (when he wrote it) would come to know Jesus from what Luke wrote.
Luke showed his authority in what he knew.
LUKE 1:2
Look this up in GOD’S WORD Translation, please, before you read ahead.Also, read THE MESSAGE and HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE, along with any others you so desire. He refers to the original eyewitnesses as… Hang on. I want to study Luke 1:2 more deeply.
BibleGateway.com (which can be found here: http://www.biblegateway.com/) has an incredible feature and tool for studying the Bible. It’s something you can only do one verse at a time The feature/tool will not show up if you search for more than one verse. So, what is the feature and tool, and how do you use it?
It’s called the “(insert Bible verse number/reference number here) and ‘in all English translations.’”
For instance, “LUKE 1:2 IN ALL ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS.”
How you use this feature or tool is:
1 Go to the BibleGateway.com link I mentioned earlier in this section.
2 Search for only one Bible verse. Type that in the search box at the type of the webpage. Then, hit search.
3 Go to the bottom of the screen and highlighted in brown is the, for instance, “LUKE 1:2 IN ALL ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS,” feature. Click on that.
4 There you go. That’s how easy. Now, study this ‘til your heart is content.
Give it a try yourself now for Luke 1:2. (I’m not kidding. Please do so at this time.)
How do you know if you did it correctly?
Here is what should have come up for you:
If that’s what happened, you did it. If not, try again. Then, if you still can’t figure it out, attach a comment at the end of any blog post or send me an email. I would be happy to help, if I can.
Assuming you figured it out, do you see how extremely useful this tool is?
Let’s look at Luke 1:2 again. Who were the eyewitnesses? They were the disciples, servants, and ministers of the Word.
Look again at the EXPANDED BIBLE, THE MESSAGE, NEW CENTURY VERSION, again. Take note of the differences in what we learn from each of the versions. They sure deepen and broaden our understanding and make this book, never mind passage, one we should treasure all the more.
What must it have been like for Luke to speak with, read, and learn about the eyewitnesses to the life and death of Jesus?
THE NINE VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE USED IN THIS BOOK
By the way, here is a list of the nine Bible versions or translations I will refer to throughout this book and the remaining seven books of this Gospels series:
EXB = Expanded Bible
GW= God’s Word
HCSB = Holman Christian Standard Bible
MSG = The Message
NOG = Names of God
NASB: New American Standard Bible
NCV = New Century Version
NKJV = New King James Version
NLT = New Living Translation
LUKE 1:3
Luke 1:3 / GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
3 I, too, have followed everything closely from the beginning. So I thought it would be a good idea to write an orderly account for Your Excellency, Theophilus.
-- GW: Scripture is taken from GOD’S WORD®, © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.
Read other versions of the Bible to gain the most complete understanding. For instance, EXB, HCSB, NOG, NASB, NCV, and NLT in particular. This will provide a great deal deeper understanding of what Luke tried to convey to Theophilus.
Note how Luke mentions in Luke 1:3 about his careful investigation and has given an accounting that has intentional and consecutive order. He was meticulous. That alone makes me want to read his book and makes me glad to read, study, think and ponder, grasp, and apply the Book of Luke first. I can trust he gave painstaking attention to detail and facts. This gives Luke instant credibility in my eyes.
With that being said, shouldn’t my knowledge of Jesus Christ be so meticulous, thought through, and considered? Shouldn’t I give that much attention to detail as well? This alone makes the next three years’ worth all of the work, attention, and intentionality it will take for me to write this eight book series and journaling memoir. This is my application.
I realize that I should have been meticulous, scrupulous, and careful in matters of my faith prior to today. But, I wasn’t. I realize I lost out on a great deal because of it. However, what will I gain now because of this detail-oriented approach to the Word of God, particularly the Four Gospels, and the knowledge of Jesus Christ as I strive to live a life of Jesus.
Having a detail-oriented, scrupulous, careful, focused faith should change me and my life dramatically. This is even more true when I think about becoming more knowledgeable about Jesus Christ (and the Four Gospels).
Huh. I stop and re-read everything I just wrote. I want it to sink in. I want to fully grasp what I’ve just learned and discovered.
How often have I been sloppy in my faith? How do I not take my faith seriously? How do I not put to memory everything I read and study in the Bible, through re-reading, review, and prayer journaling? How do I not give the careful attention to my faith as I should? What about to the Word of God? What about to counting the blessings in my life each and every day, which is giving thanks, and is waiting and watching to see the glory of God in, through, and around, me and my life? Counting my blessings is something I do in my prayer journal. It’s also recognizing what God is doing.
How much have I missed because of not being meticulous in matters of my faith, the Word, and Jesus Christ?
Yep. I will need some time to let all of that sink in, so I can fully grasp the ramifications of what I just learned. It was an AHA moment.
This just reminds me how as Christians, we are to live lives of excellence. We are to live in this manner:
Colossians 3:23 / Expanded Bible (EXB)
23 In all the work you are doing, work the best you can [do it heart and soul; L from the soul]. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people.
-- EXB: Scripture taken from The Expanded Bible. Copyright © 2011 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Look Colossians 3:23 up in several versions and try to fully grasp this truth. This shows how we are to live a meticulous faith—and a scrupulous life.
Do we do everything with excellence today? Really? Shouldn’t we, based off of Colossians 3:23?
What does our work look like? Home? Family life? Are we doing those as though for the Lord?
Now, back to Luke 1:3.
So, who was Theophilus? Little is known about the man. Luke wrote Acts and Luke for him. That’s about all we know.
LUKE 1:4
Now, look at Luke 1:4. Read the MSG, EXB, and any other versions or translations you want to read.
Why did Luke write to Theophilus? To show the certainty, reliability, and truth of the things they were told and what they heard.
LUKE 1:5
Note all the nouns listed in this verse; after all, each is important and sets up for the next few verses.
LUKE 1:6
Read this verse in all English versions if possible. It’s an important verse that we can each learn a great deal from. Prayer journal your thoughts. How can you apply it to your own life?
Luke 1:6 / Names of God Bible (NOG)
6 Zechariah and Elizabeth had God’s approval. They followed all the Lord’s commands and regulations perfectly.
-- NOG: Scripture is taken from NAMES OF GOD BIBLE (WITHOUT NOTES) ®, © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.
Lord, may this verse be said of me.
LUKE 1:7
This is a verse that comes close to home for me. I turn forty this year, and my husband, B, is older than me, and we are both infertile. We want a kiddo desperately and are looking toward adoption.
You don’t need to be infertile not to grasp this verse. All of us have something in our lives we will know will never happen, or have faced loss, so we understand this verse.
CROSS-REFERENCES
Look at these cross-references. This link is for all of the verses for Luke 1, by the way:
Each cross-reference deepens our understanding or the verse or verses we’re studying.
CONCLUSION
I’m going to look at everything I learned today tomorrow and over the next week or more. I hope it will deepen my understanding.
The one thing that stands out the most is living a life of meticulous faith, one of excellence, one of detail-oriented intentionality.
Today’s been long enough. It’s time to look at tomorrow’s passage.
HOMEWORK
Read Luke 1:8-15 in your favorite version of the Bible.
