In law enforcement, particularly in special investigations, a code word can be crucial. My team used “dynamite” as our signal. When an undercover operative observed concrete evidence of a crime – narcotics, illegal firearms, or stolen property – they’d utter those words: “Looks like dynamite.” That phrase, transmitted over the body wire, was the green light for the bust, signaling the rest of us to move in and make the arrest.
Luke, in the opening chapter of the Book of Acts, uses a similar concept. He’s telling us, in essence, that what he’s witnessed “looks like dynamite.” However, his intention isn’t to initiate an arrest, but to emphasize that he has seen sufficient evidence. He’s conveying, “I’ve seen all I need to see.”
Luke reports that he has seen all that Jesus did and taught. The resurrected Jesus provides undeniable confirmation of Christ’s supernatural person and work. His appearances over a period of 40 days offered “many proofs” to verify the authenticity of his resurrection. This wasn’t just hearsay; it was verifiable, tangible proof.
And the good news doesn’t stop there! The promise of the Holy Spirit is coming for your benefit. Now go! Tell everyone what you have seen and heard. Share the gospel. The next time you read the words of Luke, I hope you can appreciate he was telling us, it (the gospel) “looks like dynamite.”
– Jim