Daily Devotion, August 30, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3.

  I have included Luke on my “Mount Rushmore of The New Testament” because he gifted the Church and the whole world with two books that tell of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with his teachings to his apostles and other followers, but goes on to tell of the early days of those apostles and other followers after Jesus had ascended back to heaven. His contribution to the New Testament (and the Bible as a whole) is invaluable. As with the other Gospel writers, he offers many segments that are unique to the story of Jesus. He has a heart for the marginalized: for women and children of that day, for the poor, the Samaritans and any others on the edges or even outside. Without this writer, we would not know of the angel visiting Mary, of what happened on the road to a village called Emmaus the day of Easter or parables about a “Prodigal Son” and a “Good Samaritan.”

  He goes much further to give us “The Acts Of The Apostles,” letting us see how the Holy Spirit continued the work of Jesus through those same apostles and other followers of the Christ. Not only do we get to read how Peter continued to be a leader among the apostles, but we also hear of the conversion of an initial enemy named Saul, who is converted by Jesus himself, becomes known as Paul and goes on to help spread the good news of Jesus to many people and places. Without this writer, we would be unaware of any of this.

  You are also unique. God created you and there is no one else like you. Nobody has had all the same experiences you have had. Your relationship with Jesus Christ is and will be unique as well. Share your story and your experiences, especially as they relate to Jesus. You never know when something you share is just what someone else will need to hear in order to help them begin a relationship with Christ or deepen their relationship with him. Personal Worship Option: Practice telling about your relationship with Jesus with family and friends, so that you will be better prepared when you have the opportunity to share with others.