As Luke is trying to produce an orderly account of the beginning of Christianity, part of it is in establishing that God did it. Similar to how the writer of Genesis handles the account of creation; it is not as much his intent to prove, in order to persuade the unbeliever, as much as to proclaim in order to assure the believer.
The writer of Genesis establishes in just one verse the state of things at the time of creation. “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters”. It is a bleak picture, but by the end of the chapter the picture has changed, and the believer comes away with one thing; the assurance that ‘God did it’.
Luke paints a similar picture in his first chapter. We know that Elizabeth will have a son, but Luke makes it clear that she has never been able to in spite of repeated unsuccessful efforts. Likewise, we know that Mary will have a son, but Luke makes it clear that she has never tried to have one – she shouldn’t have one. So once again the believer comes away with one thing; ‘God did it’.
Luke knew – God knew – that our believing would need help. Much like a fire that needs wood on a regular basis; without it, it can be reduced to a few smoldering embers buried beneath a pile of ash. Our believing needs help; without it, it can get buried beneath the bleakness of life.
So no matter how formless, empty and dark your world may be; no matter how many unsuccessful efforts there have been to change them, be reminded this Christmas season when you think of the birth of Jesus, that God specializes in impossible situations. Be assured in your own situation that ‘God can do it’.
Hunger and Thirst 
Mike,
Tradition has it that Moses penned The Pentateuch. (The first five books of The Bible/Torah) I cannot prove this, but it makes sense.
I liked how you brought The Scriptures to us, as sons of God, instead of as some evangelizing tool. My thoughts have been that while it is indeed true that His Word can pierce our hearts and split us in two, my experience has been that a non-believer scoffs at The Scriptures and believes they are merely mythical in nature. Actions, however, can never be denied or refuted.
So, cool. The Word does help us as sons. I believe some folks out there in the really real world of walking as sons of God in a hostile environment needed to read what you wrote. I hope The LORD sees to it to steer the your way.
Donald in Bethel, CT
Project: Mathetes
I replied to Mike before I read your comment, but I had to reply to it when I read it.
“I believe some folks out there in the really real world of walking as sons of God in a hostile environment needed to read what you wrote. I hope The LORD sees to it to steer the your way.”
He did. I saw it.
And thanks – your comment validated me as a son, although right now I feel like the prodigal felt, “I’m not worthy to be called your son…” But really – thanks.
bajan,
In truth, who among us has not been The Prodigal once or twice in their lifetimes? 🙂
The father in that parable daily went to the end of his estate and waited for his son. Jesus told us He would leave the 99 to get the one. Jesus said He knocks on the doors to our hearts. Have you noticed a trend here? Doesn’t it seem like God is the one who is always coming after us, waiting on us, looking for us, expecting us, and not abandoning us?
Just a thought. From one son to another.
“Doesn’t it seem like God is the one who is always coming after us, waiting on us, looking for us, expecting us, and not abandoning us?”
Good thought.
PS Gone for a week.
Thanks so much for this post!
“So no matter how formless, empty and dark your world may be; no matter how many unsuccessful efforts there have been to change them, be reminded this Christmas season when you think of the birth of Jesus, that God specializes in impossible situations. Be assured in your own situation that ‘God can do it’.”
I really need encouragments like this one through my own journey. I appreciate you, man.
And, as I’m replying to this on Dec. 25th, Merry Christmas!!!!!!!
This post touched me so much, Mike. Just perfect for those of us needing encouragement. 🙂 And it makes me look at all those times He has helped my believing just when I needed it most. God bless you and yours and your week away! 🙂
I really appreciated the other comments too!