At first, Christians did not call themselves “Christian.”

Instead the people sent “to the ends of the earth” by the resurrected Jesus (Acts 1:8) called themselves “followers of the Way” (Acts 9:2).

Everyone else had less flattering names for them, like, “these people who have been turning the world upside down”—with their surprising boldness telling stories about Jesus and baptizing and doing other things that were miraculous but bad for business (Acts 17:6).

“The Way has been paved…” is All Saints’ worship theme this season of Easter. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are our example to follow. And even more, Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is a gift for us and all the world.

Because we do not have to earn love—from God or anyone else—therefore, we can turn our lives to new ends, toward serving God and others.

Because we need not fear death—either divine condemnation or human humiliation—therefore, we get to live wholeheartedly, abundantly, eternally: beginning (or beginning again) today.

Because Truth seeks us (and not the other way around), therefore, we may live confidently belonging to God and within the body of Christ, even while we doubt and disbelieve.

The Way has been paved…