Thursday, October 17, 2024

St. Luke, Evangelist (October 18)


 

Isaiah 35:5–8
2 Timothy 4:5–18
Luke 10:1–9

St. Luke, Evangelist

The Lord bids us to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest (Luke 10:2). The fields look more like deserts, filled with jackals (Isa. 35:6–7), and the Lord sends His laborers out as lambs in the midst of wolves. But Christ’s Word of “Peace”heals the sick and brings the very kingdom of God near to those who hear it (Is 35:5; Luke 10:3–9). St. Luke, the beloved physician (Col. 4:14), did the work of an evangelist. He diligently prepared both a Gospel, the history of Christ’s work in the flesh before His ascension, and the Acts of the Apostles, the history of His continued work among His Church. Luke and his Scriptures are a gift from this Ascended Lord (Eph. 4:8–12), written for Theophilus and for all who love His appearing (2 Tim. 4:5–8). 

Tradition suggests that Luke was one of the seventy-two sent out ahead of Jesus, two by two. Luke proved himself to be a faithful companion throughout St. Paul’s missionary journeys, through many trials and crosses, and even to Rome, where he alone was with Paul.


Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Icon of St. Luke copyright google images



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