Luke begins this letter to Theophilus with an explanation of why he’s writing. He wants to share this “orderly account,” inspired by the Holy Spirit, to ensure the details of the incredible and miraculous events that have occurred are recorded. There were so many elements at play in the life of Jesus and throughout the Bible. Luke wants to ensure Theophilus, and all of us, keep the story straight and appreciate all that went into play to secure the salvation of our souls.

Have you ever indulged in a movie about an elaborate heist? The Sting, National Treasure, any of the Oceans 11 movies, and so many more create such a fun and complex series of events and personalities in order to carry out a seemingly impossible plan. For weeks (or longer!) you see different people obtaining the right job, item, uniform, or relationship so they can play their specific part. The day finally comes, and countless details are now set in place to accomplish the impossible.

Rescuing our wretched souls for eternal salvation should have been an impossible plan. Yet, in all his wisdom, God put everything in place. Scripture provides an orderly account of how God safeguarded the line of David, inspired and fulfilled prophecies hundreds of years apart, and called countless souls to play their specific roles in his design for divine deliverance.

While it is indeed “finished” and our salvation is won, God is still actively at work in our lives, curating our lived experiences to accomplish important work for his kingdom. The difficulties we face, the relationships we are a part of, and the lessons we learn all work together within his greater plan to grow our faith and strengthen our relationship with him.

Not only do our experiences shape and inform our individual lives and faiths, but they are woven together with the lives of countless other people both in our lifetime and throughout history to create a breathtakingly intricate tapestry. The artistry in God’s design is beyond our imagination.

As we examine our own lives and decipher the orderly account of God’s artistry within them, we can appreciate Luke wanting to share with Theophilus the miraculous details that came together in the life of Jesus. Our own testimony, in conjunction with the inspired Word of God, is a powerful tool in sharing the joy and confidence of salvation with the lost or wavering.

The orderly account within the book of Luke and all of Scripture helps us to appreciate how perfectly God’s plan of salvation comes together so that you and I can be with him forever in paradise—the impossible made possible.