Take Up My Cross

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4 ESV) What stood out from here? 1. The recording of Scripture, the book of Luke, exists for , pointedly, a particular Theophilus so that he would be certain about the things he was taught. 2. Luke was not an eyewitness to Jesus 3. Luke was a Gentile (Colossians 4) Questions to raise: 1. Who is Theophilus? Theophilus literally translates to lover of God . He could possibly also be an actual person (of some standing, thus the title) 2. Why does Luke write yet another account of Jesus if there are so many circulating? Possibly Luke know...

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:17-18 The most unthinkable thing for the Son of God is to lay down His life. What's the most unthinkable thing for you to give up? A career? A family? A relationship? But it's not a call to blind, selfless, sacrifice. It's a call to informed selfless sacrifice. A call to put things in the hands of the Father, knowing that the Father holds all things in His hands and that He loves us. It's a call to trust in God in our sacrifices, to know that He has a plan, and whether He calls us to take back up the things we lay down, He has a good plan for it.