«Only Luke is with me» (2 Timothy 4:11).
Both Mark and Luke told the story from their «second hand» perspective. Every introduction to the gospels is different and rich, but Luke’s introduction has a definite goal from the very beginning and the biographical details it presents show us his great ability as a historian. With his sharp eye, Luke recorded details the other gospel writers did not. He was keen and able to retain (not only specific events but everything that lay behind them) and it’s not surprising that would also enable him to perform such faithful and selfless work for Paul later on.
He was the one who recorded the most miracles of physical healing and the one who told the details of Paul’s life with great detail and the spiritual healing he, the Jews and the gentiles experienced because of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke depicts Jesus taking part in human life, emphasizing prayer like no other and he is the only one who mentions Jesus’s interceding for peter, encouraging the disciples to pray at Gethsemane, and praying for His enemies. How carefully and lovingly he must have heard and written each story in amazement!
And as Paul’s companion, in his journeys and imprisonment, in his joys and sorrows, Luke maintained his detailed and enriching narrative. Shortly before his death, Paul said the words in today’s text. How meaningful they are! Between the lines, he highlights Luke’s faithfulness and steadfast company.
The one who had so painstakingly and uniquely made sure to record the historical background of Jesus ‘s birth, mention His genealogy and provide unique information about His childhood and adult years, now accompanied Paul in his latter years, living a gospel for every age and throughout the ages.
Do we also try to know Jesus’s story, its details and His character so diligently? Do we have witnessing companions with whom we can say, like Paul and Luke, «Remember that missionary journey when we almost drowned?»?
Regardless of your religious background (Luke was a gentile), your profession (Luke probably didn’t practice his profession full-time), or your «second hand» story, God can use you greatly and powerfully if you place yourself in His hands.
Today I invite you to take some time to study this gospel and the book of. I encourage you to be a faithful friend so that someone will also be able to say of you, «Only» is with me.
