Hand-me-Downs

Luke 1:1-2

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. ”

As I was reading the introduction to Luke’s gospel, I was struck by verse 2, “just as they were handed down to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.”  When Jesus walked this earth with his disciples, there were no cell phones, no texting, no FaceBook, no Twitter, no flip cameras, no computers, televisions, or newspapers.  There weren’t even any telephones or telegraphs and the Pony Express and printing press were still centuries away.  So, how did the Gospel message spread so quickly in that first century church?  Word of mouth.  The Gospel message was handed down personally from one human being to the next.

The impact of the quick-spreading Gospel message of the first century is an excellent example of the networking power of human beings.  Think about how you receive a message as truth.  Is it easier to believe a friend or a stranger?  The Gospel message travelled through networks of friends and personal relationships.  A witness of Jesus’ ministry would share with others what she had seen and experienced, and how she had been transformed by what she had seen and experienced.  Thus, the message travelled at a personal level through towns and across national boundaries.  It is key that the message was “handed down,” or passed along and shared among friends.  Without this sharing among friends, the Gospel might never have left Jerusalem.  We know that God had big plans.  God made us for relationship, it is in our DNA.  God’s truth is meant to be shared and we were created to share it. 

How can you be a witness, though, if you’ve never seen the Word?  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”  Do you recognize Christ’s redemptive action in your life?  How is God’s truth transforming you?  What relationships do you have where you can share; where you can hand down the Gospel to others?  Do you have the courage to share?

God, we thank you for your transforming work in our lives yesterday, today and tomorrow.  Bless us with the guidance of your Holy Spirit and give us courage to share our personal stories of  living life with you, so that others may come to know your transforming power.  ~Amen.