Devotion:
Read Acts 9:1-2; 22:1-5.
As followers of Christ, we are known as Christians around the world. But believers in the first century were known by other names. “Followers of the Way” was one way the early followers of Christ identified themselves. They based the name on Jesus’ statement in John 14:6 that he is “the way and the truth and the life.” Early Christians were called Followers of the Way, not simply because of the way they lived, but because of who they followed, Jesus. Saul of Tarsus went to Damascus to take prisoner men and women who “belonged to the Way.” After Saul was converted, he became a missionary and went by the name of Paul. Paul was an enthusiastic follower of the Way. Christ's plan was to have close, personal "followers" who were also learners and doers of his Way. They listened and followed him as they learned from him. As the church began to grow, the followers were taught that every aspect of their lives was to be reflective of what they learned while following Jesus personally. In fact, the Greek word for followers, “mimetes,” means “mimics.” It’s clear that as followers of Christ we are to mimic him. Following in “the way of Jesus” means we focus our life on discipleship. Instead of just learning about him, we actually live in a certain “way.” Would your life change if you began to think of yourself as a “Christ follower” or “follower of the Way?” Let’s strive to mimic Christ in all we think, feel, say, and do.
Personal Worship Option:
Jesus still says to us today, “Follow me.” He never told us to gain a lot of knowledge about him, but rather, to be with him, to remain in him, and then, to live as he would in our place—to do what he did. Pray today for guidance about following the Way.
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