JUST A PILGRIM ON EARTH

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.      – John 17:24

 

Pilgrim’s Progress, written in 1675 by John Bunyan, tells of a young man named Christian and his journey to the Celestial City, those he meets along the way, and the trials and circumstances he faces on his travels. The goal of that allegorical character was the hope of eternal life in the happy and glorious company of God and the Heavenly Host.

Bunyan himself was in prison during the writing of Pilgrim’s Progress and other books, theses, and letters. His imprisonment followed his Bible teachings on reformation theology at a time when religious intolerance in Europe was at its height. Cliffs Notes summarizes that Bunyan was accused of treating “sacred matters in too colloquial and familiar a style a manner.” 

 

In John 14:2-3, Jesus told His disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.” In today’s verse, in His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus reminds the Father of His longing to have His followers with Him in the eternal glory of His presence. It is the promise for everyone who has come to Christ by faith.

That makes each believer a pilgrim on his journey toward the heavenly place where the Lord dwells. Like the young man in Bunyan’s story, there will be obstacles and adversity along the journey. Jesus told His disciples, “I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

 

Pilgrim, you are a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20)—this world is not your home; you’re “just a -passin’ through.” God has provided you with His road map for navigating the perils and pitfalls and experiencing the joys and pleasures of life with Him here and now. As your heavenly citizenship comes with responsibilities, so does your temporary citizenship on Earth.

Eternal values need to guide or supersede your earthly values.