THE WAY
06th Feb 2013
Before believers in Jesus were called ‘Christians’ they were described as those who belonged to ‘The Way.’ I find this very significant as ‘Christian’ is a very static word but ‘The Way’ speaks of movement, of a journey, of a goal and a purpose.
In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus did not mention believing or accepting the faith, He spoke of a journey, of truth and of a changed way of life.
The early church’s dynamic, powerful, joyful and focussed way of life greatly disturbed the religious authorities and so infuriated Saul that he set off on the road to Damascus “....so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:2)
Saul’s journey was supernaturally interrupted and he was transformed into a disciple of ‘The Way.’ Later in Ephesus there was great disruption because these new disciples were challenging the heathen society. Saul, who was now known as Paul, was doing extraordinary miracles of healing and deliverance which caused such disruption so that it is recorded, “About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.” (Acts 19:23)
By using the word ‘Christian’ we are in danger of seeing our faith as an historic event, or as a transaction which ensures that we will end up in heaven. This can cause us to get stuck and cause our faith to become passive.
People of ‘The Way’ are on a journey, if they are offended they forgive so as not to be sidetracked by bitterness. They are not looking back to memorable spiritual experiences of years ago, but are living a life of worship, of fellowship with others, and feeding on God’s word, which is moving them towards new spiritual adventures in the days ahead. They always looking forward, never backwards, because God has a purpose for them.
How do you see yourself? ‘A Christian’ or as ‘Belonging to The Way.’
by Charles Sibthorpe
