Who is this for anyway?

"Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the resports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught." Luke 1:1-4

Here is something I totally love about the Gospel of Luke. This was not a random blog sent out to whoever wanted to hop over. The efforts put into detail in this gospel were not for the sake of history, or even Luke's own memory. Heck, this was not Luke's personal journal, or scrapbook! (Don't you love how I can fit scrapbooking into this?!) This amazing story of good news was written FOR someone, it was written TO someone. The first person who probably laid eyes on this text was a guy name Theophilus.

The New Testament Bible Exposition Commentary shares that Theophilus was probably a Roman dude who had recently trusted in Jesus. He was a new believer. His name means "Lover of God". (I love that name! Just wish there was a simpler name, since I am not about to name my next kid Theophilus... they would hate me for that!)

The story of Jesus begins with Compassion and love for SOMEONE. It is all about relationships. It is all about God's crazy awesome love for us.

What is ministry without relationship? What is church without people? What is that? Sadly, it's probably what the outside world sees in lots of us. They look and seee a church that is all about business. They see commercialized church on steroids! Or maybe for the outsider, church feels like the marketing plan of a good intentioned moralistic entrepreneur (aka a church pastor). When people become a commodity, a faceless crowd, a customer... we have lost sight of the Gospel for what is truly is.

Everything Jesus did was for people. Everything he did was for our good, our benefit, our healing, our freedom, our salvation.

I also love the line in verse for that says Dr. Luke is writing so that Theophilus can be "certain of the truth of everything (he) was taught." It's funny how people like certainty these days, but are not so interested in the TRUTH part. There are so many lies out there. Distortions, spins, misconceptions, and outright deceptions. This guy Theophilus wanted the truth. Everyone in that day knew Jesus was the real deal. They saw him, lived with him. He healed their kids, fed them food, taught them with unmatched fervor and insight. And there were even those who buried a dead man only to hug him three days later. They saw it. Today, people can claim the whole Jesus thing is a myth. They try to explain away the miracles... but that was not really an option back in the first century.

Still though, Theophilus was a truth seeker. I love that! He desired it so much that Luke carefully put together a gospel that we now get to read. How awesome is that. I want to seek truth more than the rumors. I want to seek truth more than the traditional stories that I heard growing up. I want truth... because Jesus IS the way, the TRUTH, and the Life. Seek Jesus, and you find the Truth.

Questions... if you are brave enough... ask...
"How much am I seeking truth?
"How much is my personal ministry about me, or about loving other people?"