The simple greetings in a card can be difficult to start. It is no different in this gospel. Luke has a structure that has been well thought out as you would expect from a historian. Luke starts off in the Temple in chapter 1 and ends in chapter 2 back in the Temple. The story starts in the Temple with a priest. God had not forgotten His people. The nativity story is not the complete story. God had not abandoned the ritual and tradition of the Temple.

1 – Presence

The presence of God is still with Israel, his people. We need to be careful where we judge what God is doing. God can work where we do not expect it.

2 – Promise

It is unlikely we have much trust in the promise of politicians. A politician and party come into power on a wave of popularity that gradually runs down as promises do not meet reality. God keeps His promises. Despite the years of silence, God has not forgotten His people. We can have confidence that God will fulfil His promises. We can live with deep insecurity about ourselves and others. We can have courage and confidence as makes good on His promises. He finishes what He starts. He does not leave it unfinished.

3 – Hope

There is hope for the humble and hungry. There is plenty in these two chapters of a hope that affects the world. God is working in areas that we cannot see. To hope is to be set in motion by the goal that lies ahead. Men will likely not be able to deliver. God can ALWAYS deliver! It is a strong hope which will not fall short. It will not fail. Why? Nothing is too hard for God. He is a good God who has all wisdom and power to finish what He started. The creator of all things has His hand on all things in His creation.

Categories: Luke