Following The Way

In the book of Acts, we learn that the early church was called “the Way.” That word “way” actually comes from the Hebrew Scriptures, where it is a technical term used to describe a way of living in harmony with God. This was a path or a way you could choose to live, chose to follow, or not.

Jesus picked up on this when he claimed, “I am in the way, the truth and the life.” What Jesus was saying was in essence is this: If you want to live in harmony with God, if you want to live as God truly created you to live, if you want to live in a way that you will truly experience life, then I am the way. This is the way. The way that I live.

So the early church was a movement of men and women who were trying to live the way Jesus lived. And we still are.

In his book, Velvet Elvis, Rev. Rob Bell put it this way, “As a Christian, I am simply trying to orient myself around living a particular kind of way, the kind of way that Jesus taught is possible… I’m convinced that being generous is a better way to live. I’m convinced forgiving people and not carrying around bitterness is a better way to live. I’m convinced having compassion is a better way to live. I’m convinced that pursuing peace in every situation is a better way to live. I’m convinced being honest with people is a better way to live.”

Today, many of us are still trying to follow the “Way.” We don’t always get it right. But when we do, it is truly beautiful.

Let us pray: God of Grace, we want to live life to the fullest. We want to be healthy and whole. We want to make the most of the time we have – and we know that we need you. Today we thank you for the life and teachings of Jesus. We thank you for a path – for a way of life. We humbly ask your guidance and wisdom as we seek to follow; in Jesus name. Amen.