Walk Like a Pilgrim - Chapter 52
Gordon and I started to read the kindle version of A Puritan Theology and are following the conversation
between Dr Beeke and Tim Challies. I included the link at the end of this email.
The starting point of the online read, is Chapter 52.
The first topic is “Pilgrim Mentality”
One of our own conclusions was that we are not to view either our earthly
life, nor our heavenly future in isolation.
But christian pilgrims are to be encouraged and motivated to live
Christ-like lives of love on earth, motivated by our brilliant future with our Lord.
J.I. Packer wrote "…..readiness to die is the first step in knowing how
to live.”
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· Christian pilgrims have reasons to be optimistic in hardships: John Trapp said, “He that rides to be crowned, will not think much of a rainy day.”· Perkins said that a “pilgrim” is “always thinking of his homeland and sighing after it.” Christians must desire heaven (Heb. 11:16), and seek heaven (Col. 3:1).· Yes, like Paul we long (or ought to long!) to be with Christ. At the same time, while alive on earth, Christian pilgrims are spurred on to become more Christ-like, to be busy obeying the Great Commission and to love God and people in all our God-given roles. The very real prospect of heaven, gives us courage and joy in our earthly lives.· The Christian pilgrim does not live an isolated life. Neither is he or she naïvely banking on the world to be a help on our way to heaven.· A pilgrim mentality helps us to suffer well and die for God’s glory (Philippians 1:20). Mmmm how to do this got us going on a few thoughts. The last verses on hymns also give clues.· A pilgrim does not pour his/her energy only into merely avoiding pain and death, not clinging to earthly things for dear life.· To suffer well, pilgrims need vision that penetrates beyond the horizons of our mortality. Perkins said that faith is like the tall mast of a ship which a sailor may climb and see land while it is still “afar off” (Heb. 11:13).· One of the gains of the Christian pilgrim-attitude, is unshakable optimism and hope in Christ. We can easily descend into despair when we forget this world is not the ultimate.· There’s sure victory for the Christian in Christ and this has to be seen with pilgrim-eyes and faith. Christ has won the victory, He will bring in His kingdom, and all His called and chosen people will share in it (Rev. 17:14).· Ultimately, the pilgrim mentality is not about just a place but a person. Christians should see all their earthly lives as a journey to see the face of God. What a hope!!!Right here you will find a full version of the above notes.
