I just got off of a phone conversation with a long time friend. He’s a professional in the medical field, and a proven “brother indeed” throughout the years. While discussing our common Barnabas interests and the current needs in Haiti, I was please to hear him agree that priorities were medicine, medical professionals, water, and food. In any time of acute trauma, everyone should get out of the way and figure out how to let the pros get at what they do best to have the greatest impact. That’s when he told me that a common friend (doc-type and former church Elder of ours), had been to Haiti to help save some lives. I smiled in my heart. The guy he was talking about is the son of a missionary doctor and a gifted family practitioner whose heart is in the right place as far as Barnabas is concerned. When my friend emailed me a file with information of this physician’s trip to Haiti ~ all amputee pics included ~ Diana and I were smiling again because here was our brother, getting his picture taken with Geraldo Rivera. Geraldo wasn’t the star in our book.
So my thoughts turned to Luke from the New Testament as they do often. There are things I love about Luke and find an endless source of devotion. I’ve written on them in the past, but with the crisis in Haiti, the current healthcare debates continuing, and the visible involvement of the Harbours in a complementary therapy like Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine ~ I think it’s a good time to just nail them down again.
First ~ Luke stayed to the end. Check it out in 2 Tim. 4:11. Paul says, “Only Luke is with me…” I can’t emphasize this enough. It brings emotions to my heart. Tell me, who sticks closer than a brother? Who shows up when everyone else retreats? Who perseveres? I love Luke’s integrity and character! This is a quality Bro. that’s worth considering Folks. Think about it! Who can you really count on?
Second ~ He’s a healer. Contrary to what you may think, the education of a physician in the first century A.D. wasn’t a small thing. Nor were the educational demands lessened by ancient times—in fact, they may have been more. Anyone who takes time to review ancient literature on the extent of knowledge that was required of a “recognized physician” then would heartily agree.
Third ~ His talents were submitted. Luke penned the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of Luke. His style of Greek is easily recognizable by those schooled in Greek literature and his precise dating is impeccable. Luke’s ego didn’t get in the way either when he saw healings performed by the Apostles,. In fact, he probably was used himself to perform works of power - apart from any early medicine he might have consider giving. Lukes Gospel is known for its multiple references to the Spirit’s work and moving. Luke wasn’t afraid of spiritual things either philosophically, or experientially. He’s my kind of guy and he’s definitely my kind of Doc!
Finally ~ Luke was apostolic and unashamed of Jesus. He traveled with Paul, took part in hardships, was used to lay foundation in the early church and then was used extraordinarily to meet needs after those foundations were laid. And in all this Paul refers to him as “beloved.” (agapetos ..Col. 4:14) He has a track record of being steadfast.
Diana and I have good friends who are beloved physicians. We know Docs going to Mumbai and to Sudan, keeping late hours and giving of their life in numerous places (physically & financially). We have friends and family working in hospitals, providing services to physicians and clinics. Friends work to support hospitals and medical clinics, are nurses, PA’s, RN’s, etc…..there are a host of them. We know some “good physicians.” Hope you do! At Barnabas and BlueCrane Acupuncture, our first medicine is Jesus, our first prescription is compassion, our waiting room is love and peace, and our bottom line is the creative extension of His Kingdom. Yeah..you know what comes next….we win in the end!
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