Luke was a physician (Col 4:14). In those days, physicians were not as prominent as today, but they were educated and respected (Sir 38:1-12). Yet when Luke became a Christian and a disciple of Paul, it must have seemed a demotion. Now Luke was working with a ragtag group of people and wasn't even the leader. For example, when Paul had no one with him but Luke, he called for reinforcements (2 Tm 4:9-11).
Luke's presence, while not necessarily unappreciated, was not sufficient. When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he mentions and praises Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus (Justus), Epaphras, and then, almost last and almost least, Luke (Col 4:7-14). Only Demas is mentioned later than Luke, and Demas was a deserter who became "enamored of the world" and left the ministry (2 Tm 4:10).
Even though Luke "didn't get no respect" or not as much respect, he humbled himself and the Lord later exalted him (Lk 14:11). He was chosen to be the great evangelist for the Holy Spirit through his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Luke has been and is being used by the Lord in a world-changing way. Read Luke today.
| PRAYER: | Lord, may I choose the lowest place and give You the opportunity to use me in a mighty way (Lk 14:10). |
| PROMISE: | "The harvest is rich but the workers are few; therefore ask the Harvest-Master to send workers to His harvest." –Lk 10:2 |
| PRAISE: | St. Luke's writings chronicle the powerful changes that took place in some of the lowliest of people who were transformed into mighty leaders for God. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College