Arise and Go South

A thought inspired by my friend and Pastor Curtis Zackery (pictured).

Most people know that the Gospel writer Luke was a Greek citizen and a doctor by trade. But it’s a little less known factoid that the Book of Luke (the Gospel) and the Book of Acts were actually written by Luke as a 2 volume historical treatment to document the birth of Christianity and the manifestation of God to the world. I believe Luke realized that he was an active participant in the only force that would ever go on to be a blessing to all nations. He was without question a legitimate scholar, and it can be argued that he coined the genre of biography. But Luke’s credentials go way beyond his classical Greek education, as he was the Apostle Paul’s personal physician and scribe for many years. Being a doctor and scholar, Luke was compelled to interview all the family and disciples who survived… mother Mary, Jesus’ brothers and sisters, Peter, John..etc.

Mark and Matthew had already penned their eyewitness histories, but as you’ll read in his opening statement, Luke wants to ensure his readers realize that what he was going to write was not a philosophy or a religious text, but a pure history based on eye-witness testimony from credible sources… just as one would expect from a Greek scholar. I thank God for Luke. Every believer does. Luke told us more about the life and acts of Jesus and the apostles than any other single bible writer. One of my favorite examples is Luke’s telling of the Apostle Philip’s encounter with the Treasurer of Ethiopia… a Eunuch, on a desert road through Gaza. For me, it’s one of the most palpable events in Christian history.  It even offers a glimpse into the space-time continuum… but the beginning and apex of this moment in history are far more amazing than the sci-non-fi ending, as it contains a profound message… a message the Lord surely spoke through his servant, my friend Curtis Zackery on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Strong Tower Bible Church in Franklin, Tennessee. As soon as you have a half hour to kick back and listen to a teaching that will genuinely bless you and challenge you to trust God, try this message. If you’re ready right now, click Here and then click the first track in the list, “Arise and Go South.”

Thank you Curtis. The Holy Spirit spoke through you this day. More please. Amen.

Go to WhoisCZ.com for more on Curtis Zackery.