The Good Doctor

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Luke 1:1-4 (NRSV)

Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.

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Doctor Doctor, gimme the news I got a
Bad case of lovin' you
No pill's gonna cure my ill I've got a
Bad case of lovin' you

"Bad Case of Lovin' You (Doctor, Doctor)" by Robert Palmer from "Secrets"

Robert Palmer's music always had a bit of style and panache that is missing from so much music. "Doctor, Doctor" is one of the best examples before he hit the huge hits that came off of the discs "Riptide" and "Heavy Nova." "Bad Case of Loving You" was one of those songs that provided an introduction, a sign of what was to come.

The first four verses of Luke's gospel do the same thing. They provide an introduction from someone who meticulously studied the teachings of Jesus. Luke was not one of the original apostles as Matthew, Mark, and John. Historically, Luke is known as "The Good Doctor." Through the gospel that carries his name, he gives us the cure in the love of Christ.

One of the mysteries of this gospel is to whom it is addressed, Theophilous. The name itself was not uncommon in ancient Greece, and the honorary "most excellent" shows that Luke holds him in high esteem. Perhaps Theophilus is Luke's patron—the person who provides the capital and influence to write, publish, and circulate the gospel. That would make Theophilus like a foundation or publisher who provides a large advance to get the work going.

But there is one other thought about this name. Theophilous means "God Lover." In the day, the gentiles who worshiped the Lord were called "God Fearers." What if this honorary title was directed not at the one who commissioned the work, but to all who would hear it for millenia to follow?

In Luke's words, the Christian congregations of the Greeks, Romans, and Gentiles have wonderfully been transformed into not just "God Fearers" but "God Lovers" too. Proverbs teaches that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but moving from fear alone to love is a movement from God's slaves to God's children.

This is the movement that begins the gospel. This is the first big hit that signals what is to come. This is the first note of what becomes a tremendous body of work. This is true of "Doctor, Doctor" and it's true of the introduction of Luke's gospel.

The love of God is an ill that no pill can cure. In fact, the grace, peace, and love of God is what cures the ills of sin. Thanks be to God.