Luke 1:1-4I love walking into grand old buildings with magnificent entryways. Unfortunately, in our day and age, rarely are new buildings constructed with these type of features; and if they do have such a thing, it usually has a more of a utilitarian purpose over inspirational esthetics. Not so, in majestic and historic older churches and cathedrals.
The picture I have posted is of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. It is an impressive building, and even if you’re not Catholic you cannot help but be awed by its inspiring and meticulous architecture. If you have ever been there, you know, that like many similar places, there is a notice to remind you to enter quietly and reverently—but really, you don’t need the sign, the building, and its entryway, have already told you that.
I had never thought of it in this way before, but when I reread Wright in preparing for this blog post—and it is also emphasized in the Luke Commentary—the first long opening sentence of Luke’s Gospel is sort of like one those old majestic Cathedral entryways. It is as if Luke is inviting us into a magnificent story; and indeed he is, into the life and events of this person Jesus—God’s own Son, the long awaited Messiah, our Savior, the one "you should have no hesitations to follow Theophilus." It reminds me again of just how significant this story, and moreover, this person, Jesus Christ—God’s Incarnate Son, truly is.
Indeed, in Luke 1:1-4, Wright tells us: “Luke opens his gospel with a long, formal sentence, like a huge stone entrance welcoming you impressively to a large building. Here, he is saying, is something solid, something you can trust” (Wright 1). Absolutely! This gospel deserves such an entryway, and I hope as we go through it—like I think Luke is, and Theophilus will be—we’re appropriately awed by its central figure and His life changing message.
Blessings
Bill Higley
Bill Higley
3 comments:
Mr. Higley,
As a visual learner, I follow your line of thought about "entry ways" very well. Recently I was re-reading Luke's magnificent thresh hold of his findings to Theophilus and I was curious as to how the other gospel authors opened their findings to the reader.
Each author is definitely unique in how they approached the information given to them. Yet, Luke's information had a more personal agenda. He was opening a door of knowledge for Theophilus.
How often is the simplicity of modern architecture similar to how we approach the Bible and the information in it? While we do not seek to elevate any of the people God used to a supernatural (cathedral) status, how often are we in awe of the facts and lives we read about in the Bible from day to day?
~Shannon~
Dr. Higley,
I appreciated your use of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. It truly is a magnificent structure. The details are incredible and as you study its architecture it takes your breath away. It would take you days to fully grasp the stories portrayed in the stain glass. Most people do not appreciate the beauty of its architecture. It is also sad that it is an empty place representing an empty religion.
I liken the book of Luke to a blind man hearing a detailed description of Saint Pat’s by an artist. The artist is so vivid in his description that the blind can visually see in his mind every detail of the cathedral. It is unfortunate that people cannot grasp the real truth and beauty of what Luke wrote in his gospel. They see the miracle of the birth of Christ and miss its meaning.
I love grand doorways and gateways and ornate keys that unlock even the humblest of doors. I love the analogy of Luke that he is opeing this grand doorway for us. It may be a grand doorway but after that is shows a humble picture.
God uses everyday people, an old man and his barren wife, a young girl and a common carpenter, going about their everyday business, "with a mixture of half-faith and devotion." It is so cool to think that God can use us at the level at which we are right now, at not at some later date when we have finally arrived - which would not be til we get to heaven.
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