SCRIPTURE: Acts 24:1-16
“I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect.” (Acts 24:14)
I like this line, “as a follower of the Way”.
Christianity has become just another religion, like Judaism.
After centuries of ‘Christendom’, Jesus seems lost in the murkiness of religion.
I find myself out of line with Christianity, like Paul did with Judaism.
I still worship the God of our ancestors, but not within it’s religious and cultural boundaries.
My views would probably be considered suspect, if someone sat down with me to hear them.
I hold the traditional doctrines very lightly, sensing their inadequacy and incompleteness.
But my grip on Jesus and the Way of Jesus has tightened.
Not that I am living it better, but that is what I want to live.
Jesus is my Law, my religion, my way, and I strive to keep my conscience clear based on Him and His Way.
Am I weak theologically, doctrinally, according to historic Christian teachings… I admit this.
Am I open to views that others would call sectarian… I admit this.
But despite all the differences, I have the same hope in Jesus as other Christians.
My hope is in Jesus, in grace, in the way of love and mercy.
I want to be known not as a Christian, but as a follower of the Way, a follower of Jesus.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I feel like Paul must have: connected to the religion of my youth, yet disconnected at the same time. I do not pray to be made a better Christian, I pray to be made a better follower of You and Your way!