A Beautiful and Terrible thing

Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed. ~ Luke 1:1-4
"The truth," Dumbledore sighed. "It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution." ~ JK Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

How do you convey Truth?

Luke, by accounts a physician and by writing a historian, is the only one of the gospel writers to include an introduction to his audience about his stated purpose.  As to who Theophilus (or God-beloved) is, that is one of many unknowns from the gospels.  He may have been one person or he may have been a stand-in for a group. It may not even be a name, but a descriptor of Luke's audience.

Does the answer as to whom Theophilus was affect the truth of Luke's account?

There are "facts" in Luke's gospel that can be trusted, but also facts that can be disputed by our 21st century rational minds.   The truth that Luke is seeking to present is much deeper than the "orderly account" he claims to present.  The truth is much more magnificent than that. 

 It's more beautiful than that. Luke is bearing witness to the most amazing truth the world had known - the truth that the Gospel writer of Mark puts much more simply as "The Beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

For the first century mind, "truth" did not equal "facts."  Truth was something bigger, stronger, and wider than that.  Truth was most often conveyed in stories - in parables even. 

 Truth can be beautiful and it can be terrible - as in it fear or awe-inducing. 

 The power of God is a beautiful, awe-inducing thing.

For Luke the truth was The Kingdom of God, and he would spend his whole orderly account laying it out for his audience in the best way he knew.  Like other followers of Jesus, he knew the truth was far too wonderful and fearful to be silent about.

So, how do you convey the Truth without resorting simply to facts?

Prayer: Amazing God, you have given us many accounts of your truth so that we have chance after chance to be filled by it.  Thank you for your gospel of love.  Help us to spread your kingdom in our words and deeds so that others can see the truth of your love. Amen.

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