A Theological Response to the Gospel of Luke 

Introduction and Luke 1.  Here is what I believe – Luke 1 tells us that we, as human beings, experience a physiological birth but also a godly birth.  The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah is the story of our physiological birth; the story of Mary and the angel is the story of our godly birth.

For me, this is the key, the overwhelming truth of Luke 1, as I have recently re-read it and brought to the reading that which I did not process in previous readings.  This new reading, these thoughts, support what I have over time come to believe.  Jesus is for us an understanding of godliness within us, within all of us, and that the challenge for us as a species is to recognize the potential for godly birth within us and to act upon this recognition.

Mary’s virgin birth is the representation of God’s birth as it occurs in the embryo – that birth is what differentiates us from other animals.   In reading Luke 1, we are given the recognition of God’s presence during pregnancy (represented in Luke 1:41-45, when the embryo John experiences God’s presence).  God is involved in both our physiological births (as shown in God’s involvement in Elizabeth’s conception and birth of John) and in godly births within us in the embryo state (as shown in the story of Mary).   Mary had a physiological conception of an embryo, but she also had a “virgin” conception of godliness within that embryo.    Luke 1 helps us to understand the truth of our existence as the human species, separate from other animal species.

Luke 2.   The opening paragraph in Luke 2 indicates to me that we are all in this together – that we are present on this planet as a unitary body (… all the world should be registered.), a singular life force.  But we also all belong to groups – towns, families, ancestors.  And within each of us is a seeking, a desire, a searching – a path down which we need to go (the shepherds seeking; the angles with the good news).   The baby Jesus represents that the human species has within each of its members the ability to find – to go down a path leading to a godly soul.  And the remainder of Luke 2 is a story of development – how the individual has the capacity to develop through adolescence into acquiring a godly soul and doing such has profound results (represented by Simeon).

Luke 3.  The word of God prevails - it comes – as it came to John – regardless of reigns in the secular world (earthly domains).  Luke 3 tells us that through the power of God, shown to us in our mentality, we will develop right from wrong, good acts from bad acts, a godly soul. This power of discernment will come to us through our minds – minds that are subject to the power of God (a holy power).  The power of God shows up on earth between and amongst the human species.  The entity of Jesus is one such showing.

Luke 4.  A holy spirit is available to us all.  The holy spirit is key to achieving a godly soul (the Kingdom of God).  With it, we can control temptations that threaten our godly soul.   In successfully achieving a godly soul, we can have amazing, unique insights and  understandings.   Our godly soul may cause others resentment, disliking us – those who we associate with - because we may not fit into their plans.  But, over the long term, this is best.  Jesus serves as a model for all of this.

Luke 5.  A godly soul opens us up to interactions with others in ways that help us and others.  To achieve a godly soul, we need to act.  We need to seek a godly soul.   We need to want a godly soul (the kingdom of heaven).  Our route to a godly soul is not pre-determined.  It is upon us to work out the details of that  route.  Do not be hindered by others who might mock you, try to stand in your way, attempt to mislead you.  Ask the right questions, pursue truth.  Amazing things will happen.   Do not limit yourself to what others say you must do, how you should act.  You are a new, unique person, and others cannot determine what you are, only you can do that.

Luke 6.  What is lawful should not be determined by century-old exclamations of self-righteous humans.  The godly soul needs to reconcile with precedent, but precedent does not make a godly  soul, but rather seeking righteousness, love, justice, truth (Luke 6:12 … he spent the night in prayer to God).   God provides the power to achieve the godly soul.  Touching God provides the power.   Regardless of who one is, what position one has, a godly soul will provide blessedness.  Lack of a godly soul leads to woe.  Seek a godly soul and you will find the rewards you should expect in life, the rewards that count.  The godly soul is what leads to correct associations, connections, and interactions.  You pursuit should be a godly soul; this is what you foundation should be built on.

Luke 7.  A godly soul does not discriminate, it is available to anyone.  A godly soul has to be developed and maintained.  Godly souls have infinite accessibilities.  Those who have come before can help one seek and obtain a godly soul; some more than others; and in different ways.   Achieving a godly soul is most opened to those who go down the best paths. 

Luke 8.  Seeking a godly soul will be of interest to many but many will go down wrong paths, failing to achieve one.   A godly soul will shine out brightly.  Families are important but achieving a godly soul is an individual act – it is up to you and you alone to seek.  The paths to achieving a godly soul can be difficult, full of many obstacles.  One needs to always be on the paths to a godly soul.   A godly soul helps us fight our demons.   Those without godly souls may have difficulty accepting those with ones.  Do not let this deter you – be persistent in your journey.  Although difficulties can wait those pursuing a goodly soul, an eternal holy spirit is available to help you in your paths towards a godly soul.

Luke 9.  Those with godly souls can collectively help others achieve a godly soul.  All that is needed resides with the godly soul.  Do not be dissuaded by those who present barriers.  Many will be interested in a godly soul.  Those who can obtain one are beyond counting – the availability is infinite.  This is the power of God; even if it is not recognized and is kept hidden.  Going down paths to achieving a godly soul can be detrimental to worldly wants, but the journey is the right one.  Along the way, dramatic changes and outcomes are possible; changes and outcomes not available along other paths.  A godly soul path is a lonely path, but the right path.

Luke 10.  Others can help you acquired a godly soul – it is available to everyone; it is infectious.  A godly soul is not threatened by an ungodly soul.  Woe to those without godly souls.  For godly souls lead to the Kingdom of God.   Do not try to understand this, just accept it and be blessed and contented with a godly soul.   Godly souls love others as they love God.   Godly souls accept all as worthy of love; godly souls do not discriminate.  Godly souls deal well with  ungodliness.

Luke 11.  Praying is important in nurturing a godly soul..  Be persistent in developing your godly soul.   Keep going down the right paths and you will achieve a godly soul.  A godly soul will help you overcome difficulties.  Not having a godly soul is like a vacuum that will be filled by that which is non-godly.  Avoid believing that which is not godly.   Know that a godly soul can be resurrected – it is not beyond being lost.  Mankind is constantly in search of the godly soul.  A godly soul provides right understandings.  Do not judge whether a person has a godly soul by that person’s appearance but rather by what comes from within.   Woe to those who appear greatly but lack godly souls.  Woe to those who prevent you from achieving a godly soul and praise to those who help you achieve one.

Luke 12.  Those having godly souls and seeking them are large numbers.  Because of that, truth and welfare are inevitable.   That which is truly valuable is achievable only through a godly soul.  Concentrate on achieving a godly soul, other attainments are of secondary importance.  Obtaining a godly soul is a continuous work in progress.  Knowing God requires godly souls.  Having a godly soul requires a lot.  The prophet Jesus’ purpose is to help one achieve a godly soul, not tribal achievements.   Depend upon yourself for a godly soul.

Luke 13.  Having a godly soul helps one deal better with turmoil.  Having a godly soul requires cultivation, patience.  Seeking a godly soul is a full-time process.  A godly soul enriches one immensely.   Obtaining a godly soul has requirements – many will not meet those requirements.  The prophet Jesus, and the prophets before him and after him, aid one in understanding those requirements.  Those with a godly soul are the true-life winners.  A godly soul is a special place, a blessed place.

Luke 14.   The work of the godly soul never stops.  By having an exalted godly soul, one is correctly humbled.  A godly soul treats all in a fair, just, and good manner.  Such treatment is your reward.  A godly soul does not seek you out.  You must seek it, by seeking out the requirements for a godly soul.  Acquiring a godly soul requires a single-focused determination.  Without such determination, expect failure.

Luke 15.   God is most happy when the kingdom of God receives a new soul – a new godly soul.  For those who already have a godly soul – God is satisfied.  One with a godly soul is with God and his kingdom.

Luke 16.  Do not expect that you can achieve a godly soul by taking shortcuts.  Achieving a godly soul has godly requirements.  Worldly riches will not help you achieve a godly soul.  Seek help on understanding a godly soul’s requirements from the prophets, including Jesus.

Luke 17.  With a godly soul comes a responsibility to help others with their godly souls.  This in turn will aid your godly soul.  For those who have godly souls, be thankful.  For those of you who have godly souls, do not be afraid – a godly soul transcends the physicality of this world.  Such transcendence is the kingdom of God.

Luke 18.  A godly soul’s acts are unlike worldly acts.  Be patience, the benefits of a godly soul may be slow in coming.  A humbled godly soul is exalted.  Filter out the worldly stresses in order to obtain a godly soul.  The riches of a godly soul are unlike worldly riches – only through a godly soul can the Kingdom of Heaven be reached.  The world’s riches do not lead to a godly soul.  Follow the prophets to Jesus. This path will lead in the direction of a godly soul.  Such a path is difficult to comprehend.

Luke 19.   All have access to a godly soul.  Do not be dissuaded by those not seeking a godly soul – for those who do seek, much will be returned – and woe to those who do not seek.  A godly soul comes quietly, without fanfare, but once acquired, provides much.  Respect your godly soul – in it resides the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 20.  A godly soul is not of worldly origin.  Its origin is elsewhere.  Without godly souls, woe will come to worldly affairs.  What is truly good comes through godly souls.    Recognize the difference between the merits of a godly soul and other merits.  We live on in future godly souls, as we live by God in our godly soul.  Woe to those who deceive themselves with false godly souls.

Luke 21.  A godly soul is available to all, poor or rich, without prejudice.  Do not be led astray by false prophets in seeking a godly soul – rely on acceptable prophets of old.   Worldly events come and go, good and bad, but a godly soul last.   Endure worldly tribulations – with a godly soul – the kingdom of God is not affected.

Luke 22.  Satan will try to prevent godly souls – they are anathema to Satan.   Share your godly soul benefits with others.  A humbled godly soul is exalted.  It is through a godly soul that the kingdom of God is found.   Be persistent on your paths to a godly soul – at times you may have setbacks.  A godly soul will provide for you that which cannot be obtained otherwise.  Having a godly soul is God’s will.  A godly soul will not protect you against worldly tribulations but provide for you in other ways.  Be peaceful on your path towards a godly soul, even as others might mock you.  Your godly soul speaks for itself, no need for proclamations.

Luke 23.  Godly souls will be attacked, without merit.  Others will have no comprehension of godly souls.   Some will want to destroy those with godly souls.  Such is the way of worldly affairs.  Nevertheless, the kingdom of God is only attainable through a godly soul.  A godly soul is eternally available – no power on earth can deny this.  There will always be those seeking a godly soul and attaining a godly soul will be available to them.

Luke 24.   A godly soul can be lost but found again.   Seek out within yourself and among others in searching for a godly soul.  The process can be difficult and painful.  But the prophets are on your side – they will help you.

The above represents what the Gospel of Luke says to me.