“For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, as were our fathers.” 1 Chr. 29:15, King David
From his heady, sun-drenched perch, high above the lush valley below, his eyes surveyed the glorious expanse of his pristine, primitive world. All day he had climbed to reach this pinnacle. Satisfied, he settled back against a great tree, his senses drinking deep from the sunset panorama that was his. “So this is what it is,” he thought with a tremble of excitement, “I have ventured to the top and viewed it all!” Both heart and head agreed; his world was more amazing than he’d known. This was good.
Tomorrow he would return to tell the others of all he’d witnessed; important additions to the tales of creatures and creation he’d grown up hearing the old ones tell. . . Had that ancient fellow in my little story any idea what his world really consisted of. . .! The fact is, he was hurtling through space on a sphere spinning a thousand miles an hour, on a half-billion mile orbit around a flaming star.
Nothing, however, intruded on his repose beneath the tree to suggest such a thing. His apparent reality, though just a fragment of the actual cosmos, sufficed for his keen, uncluttered mind. And because the true nature of the material universe is not fully visible to the eye, the ancient peoples lived with an explanation of reality filled with myths, legends, and general misinformation.
It is easy to think of our world as fixed, stable, rooted, but in point of fact everyone is in a state of perpetual transition and relocation. Thankfully we don’t have to factor space trajectory into our plan to stop at Wal Mart after soccer practice; all that cosmic stuff takes rather good care of itself. But nonetheless, that is the big picture!
Our spiritual ‘big picture’ is very much like the natural one. While our senses perceive us trudging slowly along the common pathway, inching our way toward the next payday, we are in fact streaking through the complex of existence in a headlong dash to the City of God. And much like the ancients, if a Christian man or woman lives focused only on the things their senses feed them, they will soon become blind to that greater reality, and vulnerable to the myths and fables that propel the godless society around them.
Christianity teaches that life is a brief journey (Jas. 4:14), a pilgrimage we make as strangers in a foreign land, hostile to us and to our God. And further, it explains that this journey is part of a great plan to prepare us for what is next. In fact, this idea seems to be more than casually connected to a life of faith. (Rom. 1:17) “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, . . . and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland . . . . they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.” (Hebrews 11:13-16a) In other words, pilgrims definitely aren’t settling for what’s here; they’re invested in something much better.
And then this stunning observation by the Hebrews writer; “Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” This suggests what? Our life-focus has an impact on the Father’s emotions? How precious is that?
I’ve watched a fifty-year transition in much of American Christian thought. Heaven has largely surrendered the distinction of being the ‘promised land.’ Now, for many, the ‘promise’ is the attainment of a certain quality of life and life-style. Heaven remains the final installment, but not before living ‘the good life,’ here and now.
John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress immortalized in literature much of the nature of a Christian’s earthly journey. Clearly, in his mind, heaven was the destination. And for generations of saints, that perspective gave folks a sense of purpose in the struggle to live, regardless of one’s position in life.
Peter urged his followers thus; “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts (demands) which war against the soul.”(1 Peter 2:11) Purposeful travelers carefully avoid things that weary or detour them on their ‘bound-for-heaven’ journey. Paul echoes this sentiment in greater detail in Philippians 3:10-19. First, he’s clear about the goal; “the resurrection from the dead,” i.e., a heavenly destination. (vs. 10) He goes on; “reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind (attitude).”
Then, in contrast, he describes the “enemies of the cross of Christ, . . . whose God is their belly, . . who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for the Savior . . . Jesus Christ.”
How many believers are occupied with the question, “Am I getting ahead?” when perhaps the far greater question is; “Am I behind in preparation for where I’m going?”
Everyone has material concerns, and the Bible urges God’s people to do good work, be responsible, and willing to share. But Jesus was clear about how our concerns were to be managed: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, but . . . treasures in heaven” Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or . . . drink. But seek first the kingdom of God. . ., and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:19-34)
1. Pilgrims favor a different kind of dwelling. Stationary folk pour foundations, build walls. Pilgrims keep a loose hold on places; value utility, flexibility, responsiveness.
2. Pilgrims have a different set of priorities. The stationary develop real estate; Pilgrims, relationships.
3. Pilgrims are not dissuaded by change. Stationary folks want a predictable, secure future. Pilgrims see in the unfolding journey the rich potential of their future in God.
4. Pilgrims are more careful about accumulating. Stationary folk store up stuff. Pilgrims pass stuff around and travel rather light.
5. For Pilgrims, progress is measured in variety, not quantity. The stationary build bigger houses; Pilgrims love seeing the passing landscapes. It means they’re getting closer.
6. A pilgrim’s heart is somewhere else. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Again, Jesus says it best.
Work diligently, be fun-loving people, and enjoy what the Lord has given you. But remember to bear witness to the reality of the life to come. That’s when, as Paul said it, we get ‘swallowed up by LIFE!’ Despite what some try to tell you, we don’t get it all here! (1 Cor. 2:9)
“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the valley of weeping, they make it a spring.” Psalm 84:5, 6