Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Have you ever noticed how many intimate details of the birth of Jesus that Luke tells? Neither Mark nor John say anything about His birth; yet Luke, a Gentile, gives us a clearer picture than even Matthew. Do you suppose in later years he sought out the Virgin Mary and interviewed her as a reporter would? Thank God she told it all to him! And could it be that Luke wants us Gentiles to feel welcomed into God's family?
(1) He alone tells the story of the birth of John the Baptist (1:5-25);
(2) and of Gabriel's announcement to Mary (vss. 26-37). Very intimate details.
(3) Luke alone tells of Mary's ready faith-response, and of that giant sword of Goliath yet to be thrust through her heart (vs. 38; 2:35). Let your heart be pained in sympathy for her!
(4) Luke alone tells of Mary's almost breathless journey up the hills to Elizabeth's home, so she could confide her gigantic secret with her closest friend (vss. 39-45).
(5) We thank Luke for sharing her exquisite poem of thanksgiving (vss. 46-55), that seems so like the heart-broken Hannah's psalm of gratitude (1 Sam. 2:1-10). Mary shared some special "humiliation" with Hannah that made them kindred spirits (cf. Luke 1:48; Greek, tapeinosis--compare that word in Acts 8:33). Luke discloses a very literate, sensitive, and polished lady of exceptional abilities.
(6) Only Luke provides us a fitting entrée to the thrilling story behind the birth of the world's Savior. A totally self-less man must prepare His way (Luke 1:57-80, John 3:29, 30; only a self-less people can prepare the way of His second coming; Rev. 14:1-5, 14, 15).
(7) Only Luke tells the beautiful story of the shepherds ready to welcome Him (2:1-18). It humbles our pride just to think of it.
The raucous din of the Season almost drowns out the precious story. Linger over it.
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: December 22, 2002.Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org
------------------------------
Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.
Have you ever noticed how many intimate details of the birth of Jesus that Luke tells? Neither Mark nor John say anything about His birth; yet Luke, a Gentile, gives us a clearer picture than even Matthew. Do you suppose in later years he sought out the Virgin Mary and interviewed her as a reporter would? Thank God she told it all to him! And could it be that Luke wants us Gentiles to feel welcomed into God's family?
(1) He alone tells the story of the birth of John the Baptist (1:5-25);
(2) and of Gabriel's announcement to Mary (vss. 26-37). Very intimate details.
(3) Luke alone tells of Mary's ready faith-response, and of that giant sword of Goliath yet to be thrust through her heart (vs. 38; 2:35). Let your heart be pained in sympathy for her!
(4) Luke alone tells of Mary's almost breathless journey up the hills to Elizabeth's home, so she could confide her gigantic secret with her closest friend (vss. 39-45).
(5) We thank Luke for sharing her exquisite poem of thanksgiving (vss. 46-55), that seems so like the heart-broken Hannah's psalm of gratitude (1 Sam. 2:1-10). Mary shared some special "humiliation" with Hannah that made them kindred spirits (cf. Luke 1:48; Greek, tapeinosis--compare that word in Acts 8:33). Luke discloses a very literate, sensitive, and polished lady of exceptional abilities.
(6) Only Luke provides us a fitting entrée to the thrilling story behind the birth of the world's Savior. A totally self-less man must prepare His way (Luke 1:57-80, John 3:29, 30; only a self-less people can prepare the way of His second coming; Rev. 14:1-5, 14, 15).
(7) Only Luke tells the beautiful story of the shepherds ready to welcome Him (2:1-18). It humbles our pride just to think of it.
The raucous din of the Season almost drowns out the precious story. Linger over it.
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: December 22, 2002.Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org
------------------------------
Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.
