Luke, Chapter 1
Welcome to week one of Luke/Acts 2020! Our structure each week is simple: 1) I give an introduction to the reading, 2) there's a recording of me reading the chapter, 3) followed by a brief explanation &/or questions; 4) I'll post a hymn that you can sing if you'd like, and 5) we'll close with a prayer. Easy-peasy! If you have a bible, great. Open it to Luke, chapter one. If not, you can find Luke chapter one online! Let's get started :) AND, if you have questions or thoughts at the end, leave a comment or send me an email.
1) Introduction: The book of Luke was written by a man named Luke :) He was a physician, a doctor. He traveled around the area of modern-day Turkey and Greece with the Apostle Paul (you will learn about these exciting travels in the book of Acts). Luke wrote his Gospel around 55-60 AD, about 20 years after Jesus died (Jesus died 33 AD). The word Gospel is a Greek word, Euangelion (pronounced "you on gelee on"), and it means a good message, good news, or a good report. It was a message that Luke was happy to tell, and one that he felt compelled to share.
2) Recording: Here is a recording of Luke, chapter one.
| luke_1.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: Was there anything that stood out to you as you read Luke, chapter one? Anything that brought you particular comfort, or confusion? In verses 1-4, Luke gives a brief explanation of why he's writing this book. He tells us that eyewitnesses (after Jesus's resurrection) passed the information down. Many, therefore, tried to write a narrative of Jesus's life. Luke wanted to write a thorough account for Theophilus (whose name means "friend of God") so that Theophilus could be certain of the things he was taught. After the introduction, beginning in verse 5, Luke begins telling the history of John the Baptist & of Jesus; Luke tells us all that he had researched regarding these events. For digging deeper, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms (it may answer some of your questions or confirm some of your thoughts).
4) Hymn: Here is a recording of the hymn "Of the Father's Love Begotten." The lyrics are below if you'd like to read them or sing :)
| of_the_fathers_love_begotten.m4a |
Of the Father's love begotten Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.
Oh, that birth forever blessed, When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bore the Savior of our race,
And the babe, the world's Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.
This is He whom seers in old time Chanted of with one accord,
Whom the voices of the prophets Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the long-expected; Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.
O ye heights of heav'n, adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing.
Pow'res, dominions, bow before Him And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent, Ev'ry voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.
Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.
Oh, that birth forever blessed, When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bore the Savior of our race,
And the babe, the world's Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.
This is He whom seers in old time Chanted of with one accord,
Whom the voices of the prophets Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the long-expected; Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.
O ye heights of heav'n, adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing.
Pow'res, dominions, bow before Him And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent, Ev'ry voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.
Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the new year, for a new beginning. Thank you for all of the amazing things You did in Zechariah & Elizabeth's life. Thank you for the miracle that you did in Mary's life. Please be with me today. In Jesus' name.
Disclaimer: I should mention I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I am reading an ESV edition in this recording. The hymns I choose are in the public domain. If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube. You can also sign up for my monthly email list, which will fully keep you in the loop! I will be posting these devotions each Friday. May they be a blessing to you. Enjoy the journey! Have a wonderful week. -Tessa
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.