Jesus is the Difference Maker

Scripture: But I confess this to you: I worship my fathers’ God according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing all the things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets. Acts 24:14

Observation: Paul stands accused before the Roman governor, not of any crime, but of breaking Jewish tradition. In making his defense, Paul narrows the charges against him down to this one thing ... Paul believes ALL that is written in the scriptures. This "all" includes the nature, character, and mission of the Messiah. Therefore, the charges against Paul synthesize down to one element. Paul believes Jesus is the Messiah, and therefore worships God in the context of that belief ... "the Way, which they call a sect."

Paul has done nothing wrong. Felix will find no fault in him. Next, Festus will find no fault in him either. Later, Agrippa - the Jewish figurehead king who therefore understands Jewish law and scripture - will not only find no fault in Paul, but will observe that he has done "nothing wrong" even with regards to Judaism. The entire issue, therefore, is about the nature of Jesus and whether he is the Messiah. In this concept, Paul is clear ... he believes all the things that are written, has personally met the resurrected Jesus, and therefore defines his faith in God through Jesus.

Application: It is this faith and belief alone that we Christians are judged ... that we believe in Jesus as Messiah. This separates us from others every day. It is for this that others will question our actions, discourage our words, and make rules about what we can say. It is by this belief that I was reprimanded for telling others about faith and hope, despite the fact that dozens of others thanks me for inspiring words. Heading into the Christmas season, it is my central knowledge of Jesus that will create issues with regards to how government offices speak about this season.

Paul is always a great model, but especially in this one sentence. He "confesses" one part of his accusers' statements, that he indeed believes in God through a different mechanism or lens than other Jews, and that is through the Messiah who is Jesus. The Messiah was defined by scripture, which were fulfilled by Jesus, and manifest in his resurrection.

It is by this same way that I worship God ... through the salvation I have received through Jesus, and my hope in the promise of eternal joy. I have personally experienced God's love, so I know my hope to be secure. Paul's very simple explanation in this matter is my personal explanation as well.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the witness of so many saints over history who have endured so much just because of one clear truth, that you are a great God who worked out salvation for all of us through faith in Jesus. I worship you today and every day. You are the one worthy of my praise, worship, love, and attention. Thank you for Jesus. Amen.