Good morning Church family,
I have always been fascinated by the concept of pilgrimage. A person decides to go on an adventure of a lifetime, they chose a destination and then journey there, usually with few resources, often on foot, often for a holy purpose. The journey is a struggle, but in conquering the struggle, the person learns so much about who they are, they return forever changed by the experience; they have found God in a whole new way.
Then of course there is the glorious story by John Bunyan called the Pilgrim’s Progress. If you have never read it do yourself and favour and get ahold of a modern version. It is a God given story, once you read it you will agree that Bunyan was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write it. It is the story of Christian and his journey to the celestial kingdom. It is a beautiful illustration of a faith journey with all the trials and joys that one faces.
You might not realise it but you are on a pilgrimage right now. In fact you have been on one from the minute you accepted Christ into your life. This journey you are on is going to be even more glorious then the stories you have watched in those documentaries about the great explorers.
Psalm 84 is a pilgrim’s Psalm it describes the process beautifully:
“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob. Look on our shield, O God; look with favour on your anointed one. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.”
May God who loves you strengthen you on your pilgrimage today!
Blessings
Laurie
Rimutaka Baptist Church 