Come Up Here And See

Have you ever struggled with what to read in the scriptures? I found myself in that position, caught up in the epistles of Paul. But with Christmas approaching, I felt a strong pull to explore the story of Jesus’ birth, so I turned to the Gospel of Luke. 

It’s essential to start at the beginning. Instead of diving straight into the narrative of Gabriel and Mary, we should appreciate the rich context Luke provides in his salutation. 

Luke addresses his dear friend Theophilus, emphasizing his aim to convey the exact truth about the teachings he has received. Reading the phrase “exact truth” moved me to tears. It made me reflect on the countless individuals who cry out for truth but refuse to embrace the reality of our Lord Jesus. Many question what truth means, while others craft their version. My heart aches for them. The truth is out there; it’s time we recognize it together. 

• Luke 1:3-4 NASB  it seemed fitting to me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in an orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus; 4 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

God made a powerful covenant with David, ensuring that his house would stand forever in His kingdom, with rich blessings flowing from his lineage (1 Chronicles 17:12-14, Isaiah 11:1, Luke 1:32-33).

Additionally, the Lord promised Israel an extraordinary sign: a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son (Luke 1:31, Isaiah 7:14).

He also assured His people that He would resist evil and embrace good, leading them toward righteousness (Isaiah 7:14, Hebrews 1:8).

Jesus, from the royal lineage of David, was born in Bethlehem, the cherished city of David (Luke 2:4-6).

On that miraculous night, angels visited the shepherds in the hills, proclaiming joy and glorifying God (Luke 2:10-14).

Eager to witness baby Jesus in the manger, the shepherds rushed to seek a firsthand encounter with the glory of God. This life-changing experience inspired them to become passionate messengers of the truth (Luke 2:15-20).

When Jesus was eight days old, He was presented at the temple under the purification law of Moses. Two prophets, Simeon and Anna, were present to greet Him. These righteous and faithful servants had been praying and serving the Lord for many years (Luke 2:21-38).

Simeon prayed persistently to see the Comforter of Israel before he passed into eternity, and God granted his request. When he saw Jesus, holding the Consolation of Israel in his arms, he cried out to the Lord, saying, “Lord, You can release me from this earth to Your eternal presence. I am ready.” (Luke 2:25-29)

Anna was determined to see the Redemption of Israel and witnessed the Redeemer as a baby. Their loyalty to the Lord served them well. They believed in the truth of prophetic promises and were confident that Israel would be rewarded. (Luke 2:36-38)

I pray that everyone will allow these truths about Jesus’ birth to renew their minds to accept that:

– Jesus is the way, the truth, the life, and the only way to God the Father. (John 14:6)

– Jesus is the resurrection and the life. When we believe in Him, we will not die. (John 11:25)

– Jesus is the bread of life. As we believe in Him, we will never thirst. (John 6:35)

– Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for us. (John 10:11)

– Jesus is the Light. Anyone who follows Him will not walk in darkness. (John 8:12)

– Jesus is the door to our salvation. (John 10:9)

As we take time this Christmas season to reflect on these truths, our response to the Holy Spirit should always be, “Let it be done to me according to Your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Father, often when I pray, I struggle to find the words to express the longing in my heart for everyone to know You. The words that come to me are always from Romans 12:1-2, urging that all would, by Your tender mercies, surrender themselves as a holy sacrifice and worship You. When we humble ourselves, we can stand against the world’s idea of truth and transform our minds according to Your truth. Just as Luke wrote to his dear friend Theophilus to know the exact truth, my heart desires that we would know the “Exact Truth” about You and nothing but the truth. So help me, Lord. Thank You, Father God, for helping us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Photo credit to Priscilla Du Preez 

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