SCRIPTURE: Acts 19
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ [John 14:6] The Jesus movement was known as the Way [Acts 19:9, 23]. But the movement is not the way, Jesus is. The disciples in Ephesus were heading the right way, but not yet introduced to Jesus as The Way. The seven sons of Sceva knew about the way, but they did not know Jesus personally – as they found out the hard way. And if Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, what about Artemis? Do all paths lead to God, is the religion of Artemis another way?
The claims of Jesus are exclusive. Both Artemis and Jesus cannot be the way, the truth and the life. The followers of Artemis recognized this, and chanted ‘great is Artemis of the Ephesians’ against the God of the Jews and the God of the Christians. They too had an exclusive understanding of the way.
All the world religions (including Christianity) are man-made attempts to describe the way to God. But no religion (including Christianity) is the way; Jesus is the way. Jesus, and the Name of Jesus, transcends every world religion and philosophy. Knowing Jesus, following Jesus, serving Jesus, these are the way, the truth, the life.
I include Christianity in this because for many the organized system has replaced a personal relationship with Jesus. They have a form of baptism, they have a form of religious practice, they even use the name of Jesus (like the sons of Sceva), but they do not know Jesus. When we hear about violence and immorality associated with Christians, we need to separate them from Jesus. This is not His way, they are not walking in His way.
I do not mean to point to specific people, or churches. It is enough for me to realize that I can also be guilty of having the form of religion but not the power, of knowing the system but not the Saviour. My motives may be different from the sons of Sceva, but I sometimes wonder whether I am simply using the name of Jesus, but not actually living in/with/for Him.
A good reminder to me that there is only one true way to life, and that is Jesus. Once again I choose to move towards Him, and live for Him. ‘Great is Jesus of the Universe!’
PRAYER:
Lord, show me how to love You more. May I be as inspired and passionate about knowing and serving You, as the followers of Artemis were.
LORD, there are so many misconception in this world today regarding Christian faith, doctrines and being followers of Christ. LORD, I give You thanks for the assurance once again that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life and knowing Him is all that truly matters.
When we know Your Son personally and make the effort to abide in You, our Abba, surrendering our hearts to You, it opens our hearts to the Holy Spirit who comes and not only dwells in our hearts but infuses our lives with power and truth.
LORD, search my heart, my thoughts, my life… Reveal the areas that need a spiritual transfusion. Your Word tells us that faith without action is dead. LORD, I so desire to be full of life. How do You desire me to act for You today LORD, whom shall I be a blessing to as I serve You.
As we live our faith and share Your Truth, we have no idea what great works You will do and the lives that will be greatly impacted and set free because of our willingness to live our faith. Grant us courage where we lack confidence, grant us strength where we are weak. Help us LORD to live for You in all our daily tasks.
LORD, forgive me for the times when out of fear I remain silent for those are times when I have actually hindered the Spirit’s work.
Thank You LORD that You are so much greater than the problems and issues of this world; so much greater than the times when I fall short of the calling You have placed on my life. Thank You LORD that Your plans and purposes cannot be stopped. Teach us Your ways Oh, LORD.
LORD, may all that I do today, be evident that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in me, giving great testimony to Your greatness. In my life LORD, be glorified!