1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9)
Thoughts: This passage and Acts 22 refer to following Christ as "followers of the Way." Perhaps some think the easiest way to interpret this is to say these are people who follow the way of life or teachings of Jesus. But it is more than just that. It is following the path of Jesus- the path of love and light. It is not just the practical teaching of love of neighbor or enemy that Christians follow, but also the teachings about God. Jesus emphasized God as Father, even calling him "abba." Jesus also claimed that if we see Him we see the Father- and He emphasized He was God in the flesh. This is part of the way too- that distinguished Saul from those he was persecuting.
Ironically, Saul was told when he persecuted believers in Christ he was persecuting Christ himself. Those who are in this way of Christ are just following behind Him, or even with Him, but they are one with Him as a part of His body. We are in the way and on the way with Him. When Saul was being converted, Jesus told Saul where to go. The way is not just a philosophy, but there is practical and directional guidance from our Lord. The way is not just a spiritual, unearthly existence, but it is concrete- from the One who made all elements that make things concrete. Jesus not only teaches the way- He IS the way- and asks us to be One with Him in our every day living.
Ironically, Saul was told when he persecuted believers in Christ he was persecuting Christ himself. Those who are in this way of Christ are just following behind Him, or even with Him, but they are one with Him as a part of His body. We are in the way and on the way with Him. When Saul was being converted, Jesus told Saul where to go. The way is not just a philosophy, but there is practical and directional guidance from our Lord. The way is not just a spiritual, unearthly existence, but it is concrete- from the One who made all elements that make things concrete. Jesus not only teaches the way- He IS the way- and asks us to be One with Him in our every day living.
Prayer: Lord, apart from you I am lost. Keep me from forgetting what you have done. Keep me in your way- and help me to encourage others to walk with you in this blessed wa.
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