Luke Chapter 1

Musings and Life Lessons from the book of Luke:
Chapter 1-NAS

v.1-4: There were those who were eyewitnesses to the things (miracles, healings perhaps) accomplished among them (disciples and followers of Christ I believe).
-People say seeing is believing, but faith is believing the truth that has been taught us and revealed to us in the Word and through the Holy Spirit. Thoughts?

But then there are "servants of the word (gospel)". When I think of the word servant, I usually think about the servant of a king, or master, or a human being.
-What does it mean to be a servant of the word?

Or when Mary calls herself "the bondslave of the Lord (or the Lord's servant [NIV]) in v.38, 48. And when she says that "He (God) has given help to Israel His servant" in v.54.
-Who or what are we a slave to?

I also observed the theme of fear throughout Ch.1...

v.12: Fear gripped Zacharias when he saw the angel of the Lord.
v.65: Fear came on all those living around Zacharias and Elizabeth, after Zacharias began speaking again, after having been kept silent.
-Fear is very real.

But then there is reassurance from the Lord...

v.13: "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, (why?) for his petition (prayer) has been heard".
v.30: "Do not be afraid, Mary; (why?), for you have found favor with God."
-God answers prayer and he is with us and wants to bless us.

-Interesting to note too that Elizabeth earlier in v.25 says that the Lord also looked with favor upon her, by allowing her to become pregnant, and taking away her disgrace among men. Interesting statement that she made, considering her circumstance and how both she and Zacharias were righteous and blameless in the sight of God (v.6).

Continuing on the thought of fear...

v.50: Mary states that "His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him".
v.74-75: Zacharias says that we might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
-So fear Him (because God is holy) and then serve Him without fear.

Now on to the Holy Spirit...

v.15: The angel tells Zacharias that his son John will be filled with the Holy Spirit and tells Zacharias all the things that John will do.
v.35: The angel tells Mary that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power that will come.
v.41: Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and blesses Mary.
v.67: Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.
-The indwelling of the Holy Spirit and His power to do and say things that bring glory to God.

Last thoughts:
The NAS uses the word "behold" 6 times in Ch.1:
v.20,31,36,38,44,48
-Each time a significant announcement is made.

I looked up the definition online:
to perceive through sight or apprehension; or to gaze upon.

-What do we consider significant enough that we can say "Behold!"
-I know this is a Luke study, but remember what John said in John 1:29:
"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

Thanks for reading...Good night and God bless.

-Ying