Certain of the Sunrise

Luke 1
3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Luke says that the purpose of his letter here is to give certainty to the one who reads it. Certainty about all the things they have heard and learned about Jesus, his kingdom, and his church.

There are times where I wonder and doubt the things I've seen, heard, experienced, and learned. But Luke is writing a complete, ordered account so that I can be certain about it all.

At camp we've been learning that freedom in Christ means to choose to live as he lived. At the end of chapter 1, Zechariah prophesies over his son John, and his prophecy ends with a description of what the Messiah will do:

78 (through God's mercy) the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

To live like Jesus means to bring light into darkness, and light into death. It means to guide people into peace with God. This we can be certain of.

Here at Oasis I feel a renewed sense of purpose and passion to live for Jesus, and to live like Jesus. I can be certain that everything I've experienced here is true. I can be certain that my life will be filled with challenges similar to Jesus and the apostles. But I can be certain that I am also being led into a way of peace; a way of life and not death.

Father, thank you that we aren't left to guess at life and eternity. Thank you that everything is certain. Thank you for this retreat and all that has happened here. May I be filled with your certainty that I will return home and begin a new season in life, empowered to be Your light in the darkness.
In the name of Jesus and his kingdom,
Amen.