Caretaker of the Heart

"Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught." Luke 1:3-4

Who cares for your heart? Who prays for you with passion and is deeply concerned that you know the truth and are walking in step with the Lord?

The opening verses of Luke move me to tears. The text of both Luke and Acts, under the inspiration of God and the moving of His Spirit, were penned by a physician who profoundly desires to attend to one man's understanding of the gospel. Just one. Whoever Theophilus is, and commentators only speculate, he obviously was someone Luke passionately longed to encourage and see stand strong in his faith. If I was honest, I'm kind of envious of one who has a friend who would care so deeply to devote two long letters for the care of his heart.

It wasn't that factual writings of the gospel did not already exist. Luke begins this letter by referencing many others who have shared accounts using eyewitness reports. So, along with the Spirit's urging, what compelled him to take pen in hand? It was the spiritual understanding and life of one man. A man of unknown identity whose name literally means "loved by God".

And loved he was. In sharing the message of the Gospel, Luke never once mentions his own name. Although he was a travel companion of Paul's, in humility he doesn't address associations or name drop. He doesn't speak of the professional sacrifices he must have made as a doctor. He doesn't draw attention to any personal accomplishments. Luke's one aim was for one man to understand with certainty salvation in Christ.

I ask again, who cares for your heart? Are there those in your circle of friends and influences who fervently share the Word of God with you? Is there someone who is so concerned about your walk with the Lord that they go out of their way and make personal sacrifices to make certain you know and understand scripture accurately? Do you have a "Luke" in your life? Who do you trust to speak truth to you?

It doesn't stop there. To whom do you speak truth? Are you intentionally involved with a "Theophilus"? Is there someone who needs encouragement to keep believing? To hold fast to God's word and be obedient to its teaching. To keep pressing on past discouragement and doubt. To be reminded of everything they know in their heads to be true, but feelings and circumstances have them experiencing momentary God-forgetfulness. It could even be someone who outwardly displays no visible sign of spiritual struggle, but I don't know one person who wouldn't appreciate a word of reassurance and inspiration. We all need the confidence of knowing that we are "loved by God".

I urge you to be the caretaker of someone's heart. I know letter writing is old-fashioned, but ask God to bring the name of someone to mind. Then, be a "Luke", encouraging a "Theophilus" to walk in faith.