And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
- Acts 16:10
From "them" to "us;" from "they" to "we;" from "him" to "me."
At some point, the Gospel must become first person; the faith must become our own. This good news of God is not something to merely read and sing about. It is to be experienced… first hand. Grace is personal. Grace is a person.
When we come to Luke 16, it is as if Luke can no longer hold it in: "I am a part of this thing!" What has been to this point a third person narrative bursts through into first person. Scholars call these the We Passages. Luke can't help himself but to let the reader know, "I've seen it with my own eyes, heard it with my own ears. I've felt it in my own heart, and I know it deep in my own soul! This Jesus is alive and at work! Believe me, don't believe me, (I hope you do), but I was there.”
Though Paul’s faith was powerful, it was not enough for Luke. Though Timothy’s passion was contagious, it could only motivate Luke so much. Luke’s experience with Jesus had to be his own.
It is the same for you and me.
Our parents' faith, our pastor's faith, our favorite author's faith is not enough. We must experience Jesus on our own. The old hymn says, “Just as I am, I come to Thee…” And just we are Jesus comes to us; to give us life and joy, peace and purpose.
First person. Personal. Intimate. He calls us by name.
God, just as I am I come.
For now...
D
