The Path of the Pilgrim

We've heard about the plow horse that grudgingly goes to the field for a day of work. The same horse hurries home at the end of the day to receive his reward - food, water and rest.

The path of the pilgrim is sweetened by his sense of eternal destiny. Even more the missionary is encouraged in his calling by the sense that his labor is not in vain - it is filled with glorious purpose. The pilgrim has eternal life and eternal reward.

We are extremely blessed people because we know where we are going ultimately and why. Our future form will be like His and everybody who knows this has a hope that purifies him (I John 3:2,3).

The way to a feast is good even if we have to walk through the brier patch and a swamp. We'll talk about the feast, the friends, the music and the intimate talk with full anticipation. It makes all the difference concerning the journey. Your local church fellowship should wet your appetite for the coming kingdom. Are you purified by a living hope?

On the other hand, if you are on the road to an execution or condemning judgement, there is no hotel room, no rose garden, no conversation that can lighten the way. There is no laughter that can lighten the load. "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than a man to hear the song of fools" (Ecclesiastes 7:5) A plush hotel room, the company of friends cannot solve the problem of ultimate lostness. A pilgrim is different. He knows where he is going. 

Unfortunately many people live under the shadow of imminent eternal rejection. How great the Gospel is for WHOSOEVER WILL BELIEVE. I should not first consider the way, but rather the end of the way. Where am I going? If I get the destiny correct, then I will walk in the light of that great truth.