Superlatives

I love the way Luke explains how he came to the decision to write about Jesus. “It seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:3-4)

What if something as incredible had happened to you? How would you explain it to your family and friends who might be skeptical? Luke believes what he’s writing—that much is clear. When he gets to supernatural events, such as Gabriel’s visits to Elisabeth and Mary, the details that Luke includes support his claim that this is the way things actually happened. (Experts on writing say that truth is in the details.) Luke doesn’t omit or minimize the events that boggle people’s minds. Instead, he carefully recounts Gabriel’s words to Mary that she will bear a son, name him Jesus, that “he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:33, emphasis mine)

Fast forward past the crucifixion and resurrection to the time of Paul, who also writes with superlatives about Jesus. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.” (from Ephesians 1:7-8, emphasis mine) It is for us sinners that Jesus gives grace without limit, spares no expense.

In Paul’s prayer, there’s even more to learn. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18-19, emphasis mine)

Can it be that we’ve barely scratched the surface?

From June readings for Days 1 and 2
I Kings 1 and 2-3
Psalms 119:1-8 and 119:9-16
Luke 1:1-25 and 1:26-38
Ephesians 1:1-14 and 1:15-23