Pilgrims on the Earth

John Wayne was not the only one who called people “pilgrims.” The writer of Hebrews referred to early believers as “strangers and pilgrims” on the earth (Heb. 11:13). Likewise Peter wrote, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims. . . ” (I Peter 2:11) If we are pilgrims, it follows that we are on a pilgrimage. Given opportunities for rest and retreat, it also follows that if we are not on a pilgrimage, we are not really pilgrims. We are not called to a position or a standing, but to a path and a progression. Is this pilgrimage geographical? Possibly, but it is more. It is a spiritual journey, moving ever upward toward Christ-likeness. John Bunyan was in the midst of a twelve year prison sentence for refusing to conform to the state sponsored church, when he wrote, “There’s no discouragement shall make him once relent his first avowed intent to be a Pilgrim.” Happy trails!

Join me this week in praying for the following global concerns:
• Pray for hundreds of university students who are preparing to serve as summer missionaries.
• Pray for my Urban Evangelism Practicum in Vancouver, Canada that continues week.
• Pray for the women’s refugee ministry in Thessaloniki, Greece.
• Continue to pray for Carrie as she faces reconstruction surgery in Austria.
• Pray for Mary as she takes her Russian exam next week.