PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 24:1-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way.” (Acts 24:14)
Paul is saying that he is Jewish, and yet with a difference.
A follower of the Way – or Jesus follower since Jesus is the Way.
This emphasis on the Jesus Way is important.
Many people believe in God… in the Moses way, or Mohammed way, or Buddha way.
As Jesus followers, we believe in God in the Jesus Way, like Jesus.
His view of God, and his way of life, are what determine our faith and life.
The Jesus Way is modeled by Jesus through radical humility, grace and love.
If we read Matthew 5-7, or Romans 12, or 1 Corinthians 13, you can see it.
We believe that Jesus shows us the way to overcome evil… with radical grace.
As Jesus followers, we trust that Jesus has overcome Satan, sin and death.
We are saved and called to join Jesus in overcoming Satan, sin and death.
To show people who God is, and what God is like, and what true life is about.
It is not enough just to claim to follow the Way, I need to strive to live it.
Am I actively following the Jesus Way, and I committed to loving and living like Jesus?
PRAYER
Lord, You saved me from sin and death and set me free by your Spirit to love like you. Help me be more than a believer in the Way, help me to be a follower of the Way!
Paul’s testimony is clear: “I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,” Non-believers may have other descriptors for ‘Jesus Followers’ other than Christian. In some places the label ‘Christian’ is ruined, damaged as it carries other negative baggage. In some places I would be rather be known as a follower of Jesus (which is what Christian is supposed to mean). Even the label ‘church’ carries with it a lot of negative baggage and hate for some. In some places in international missions it is better not to use the label – better to call ourselves ‘Jesus groups or believer groups or prayer groups’. I am a walking testament as well – and if I carry the label Christian or Jesus follower I need to carry it well – and genuinely. I need to be not only a person who says he believes but I also need to practice it in my following Jesus. I need to be that way to be real to those I meet as I testify to the hope I have in Jesus!
A follower of the Way.
Jesus did say He was the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Ljfe, true life, is only possible in Him and through Him. And when He is jn us, we shine for Him. Others will be able to see that we are Christians by our love. His love shines in us and through us. We will be instruments of His peace.
Shine On Me. Shine On Me.
As We Gaze On Your Kindly Brightness.
So Our Faces Display Your Likeness.
Ever Changing From Glory To Glory,
Mirrored Here May Our Lives Tell Your Story.
Shine On Me. Shine On Me.