And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Hebrew 11:15-16
If you read or reread the Christian literary classic by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress, you will be struck by pathos with which Mr. Bunyan illustrated the christian life. It is said of Bunyan that he, as much as anyone, understood the Christian experience. With every turn of the page in his masterwork, you are captivated by peerless way in which Bunyan depicted our soul's quest for God. We find ourselves walking in the footsteps of Pilgrim and identifying with the characters, obstacles, and adventures he encounters. We vicariously receive encouragement through the words of Evangelist.We easily recall moments when Giant Despair seemingly had us trapped in his dungeons of doubts. And we recognize those times when friends Faithful and Hope remind us that we do not pass through this Christian life alone.
The genius of Bunyan's story is that he reminds us that, as redeemed people, we are on a journey. We are moving from the city of man to the city of God, from the city of Destruction to the Celestial City. We realize that the city of man is the city of our birth. It us the place of depravity. where men and women have constructed fortresses and strongholds against the knowledge of God (2Corinthians10:4-6). It is the place of furtility. There is much activity but the end is destruction. It is from here that we, like Pilgrim, flee with haste.
Like Pilgrim, having been given a glimpse of a greater city ( Rev.21:10ff), we have embarked on a journey. Guided by the Book that we hold dear, we have been see on the straight road that leads to a narrow gate (Matt.7:13-14). The gate opens to a city beautiful, adorned in majesty and brilliance, the place of our redemption. It is where grace flows like water and righteousness like a mighty stream. Here we find rest for our weary souls. It is the city of God the Celestial City set on a hill It is the hope of our journey, the longing of our quest.
Beloved, as Christian we are living and longing.We are living a journey while longing for a city. We live with the city of man at our backs and the city of God before our face. And though the enticements of the city behind us can be alluring, we are assured that which is behind us is no comparison to the splendor that lies before us. Therefore, while we, like Pilgrim, may fall into Sloughs of Despond, and Worldly-Wisemen may seeks to divert us from the straight path, we nonetheless endeavor to maintain our faithful course. For we do not dwell upon the city from which we come, lest like Pliable we take opportunity to return. But we desire a better city that is a Celestial City. Wherefore, God is not ashamed to be called our God. for He has prepared such a city for us.
Hebrew 11:15-16
If you read or reread the Christian literary classic by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress, you will be struck by pathos with which Mr. Bunyan illustrated the christian life. It is said of Bunyan that he, as much as anyone, understood the Christian experience. With every turn of the page in his masterwork, you are captivated by peerless way in which Bunyan depicted our soul's quest for God. We find ourselves walking in the footsteps of Pilgrim and identifying with the characters, obstacles, and adventures he encounters. We vicariously receive encouragement through the words of Evangelist.We easily recall moments when Giant Despair seemingly had us trapped in his dungeons of doubts. And we recognize those times when friends Faithful and Hope remind us that we do not pass through this Christian life alone.
The genius of Bunyan's story is that he reminds us that, as redeemed people, we are on a journey. We are moving from the city of man to the city of God, from the city of Destruction to the Celestial City. We realize that the city of man is the city of our birth. It us the place of depravity. where men and women have constructed fortresses and strongholds against the knowledge of God (2Corinthians10:4-6). It is the place of furtility. There is much activity but the end is destruction. It is from here that we, like Pilgrim, flee with haste.
Like Pilgrim, having been given a glimpse of a greater city ( Rev.21:10ff), we have embarked on a journey. Guided by the Book that we hold dear, we have been see on the straight road that leads to a narrow gate (Matt.7:13-14). The gate opens to a city beautiful, adorned in majesty and brilliance, the place of our redemption. It is where grace flows like water and righteousness like a mighty stream. Here we find rest for our weary souls. It is the city of God the Celestial City set on a hill It is the hope of our journey, the longing of our quest.
Beloved, as Christian we are living and longing.We are living a journey while longing for a city. We live with the city of man at our backs and the city of God before our face. And though the enticements of the city behind us can be alluring, we are assured that which is behind us is no comparison to the splendor that lies before us. Therefore, while we, like Pilgrim, may fall into Sloughs of Despond, and Worldly-Wisemen may seeks to divert us from the straight path, we nonetheless endeavor to maintain our faithful course. For we do not dwell upon the city from which we come, lest like Pliable we take opportunity to return. But we desire a better city that is a Celestial City. Wherefore, God is not ashamed to be called our God. for He has prepared such a city for us.
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