Luke 1:1-4 Dear Theophilus Many people have already written an account of the events which have happened among us, basing their work on the evidence of those whom we know were eye-witnesses as well as teachers of the message. I have therefore decided, since I have traced the course of these happenings carefully from the beginning, to set them down for you myself in their proper order, so that you may have reliable information about the matters in which you have already had instruction. PHILLIPS NEW TESTAMENT

Luke is a physician. If in the course of his life Luke has kept careful records about his patients as all doctors do, is it not noteworthy to assume that this is a part of Luke’s personality that spills over into other areas of interest besides medicine? Given that Luke’s profession places him in close contact with many people, it might be that many have opened up to him things most intimate and personal.

These many writings of events never made their way into the bible. Just as historians often use letters from friends and relatives to piece together the life of historical figure like George Washington, Luke has taken the many writings in evidence to order up events about Christ.

Interestingly Luke acknowledges that Theophilus has already received instruction, by whom and to what extent is not known. We have two distinct letter from Luke to this friend. Their friendship must be close if Luke finds it necessary to go into such minute detail of events with order and precision. I also find it interesting on a personal level that of all the books of the bible, the two I have the most problem with are the Gospel of Luke and Acts. Not because the information is inaccurate but because it is clinical.

I prefer the passionate writings of Paul and John over the dry autopsies of Luke. But is this not exactly what is required of historians? A dispassionate clinical record is required of history in order not to taint the records with anything but accurate observations.

I am just one type of Christian moved as I can be touched. There are other types who need to hear the witness of Luke in his style in order to touch them in ways I am not moved. Praise God that He looks out for all His people and not just me.

How many types did Luke encounter?

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Long ago I heard a sermon on order. An example was set before us of the building of great cathedrals of Europe. The first act was to plant the trees that would become the beamed ceilings. It would take seventy years for the trees to mature to the height required ad seventy years before the structure would need them.

How did they know this was the first step? That in itself will lead you to more and more questions. We will end up like little children asking why, why, why, every time we are asked to do something. Order is a given and who gives the orders is everything.

2 Corinthians 5:11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. NIV

Look to the order here and see that fear of the Lord comes before identity, i.e. what you are. Lastly you have to accept that the conscience built in you by exercise of faith recognizes the authority given by God to understand and execute the plans that God has for any effort. They are relayed to you by men.

The real issue beyond execution of orders is the recognition and acceptance of being a part of a body of believers who trust in you to do your part as much you trust in them.

Judges 20:36 So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah.

If you have fear of the Lord first in your heart, can we trust you to follow orders?