Weary Pilgrims?

Do we feel like weary pilgrims, stumbling along the path of life, one foot after the other, mile by mile, heading for a destination unknown? We know there’s a reward, it’s has been promised, and that’s what keeps us going. It’s the generator that powers our tired limbs, as we fix our gaze determinedly ahead and set our heart on the prize.

Driven by perseverance and anticipation we try to stick to the designated path, round twists and turns, across mountains and valleys, through disillusionment and many disappointments, always in anticipation of the welcome awaiting us as we turn the final bend: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

But this journey, which would take us a lifetime to complete, has already been made by Another. One who carved His own way, through blood, sweat and tears, to claim the victory that all can share. ‘For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame’ (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus alone opened the door to eternal life, sacrificing His own life in the process.

How about our own journey? Some of us might be weary and struggling. Some may have already given up, or some been disillusioned and gone a separate way.

Why do we struggle on to the end of the road when our goal has already been reached? ‘For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God’ (Colossians 3:3). We’ve already been crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20). Our shackles of sin are lifted from us, and we’ve been set free. Our reward is secure, awaiting those who walk in the shadow of the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day’ (2 Timothy 4:8).

So, what about now? We can live in the certainty of the promise. We’re free to live in Christ and in the fullness of life as He intended. ‘It’s no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me’ (Galatians 2:20).

 Let’s enjoy the freedom we’ve been given, paid for by the precious blood of the Son of God. We may still walk through many temptations and desires of the flesh, but now in the power of His strength and truth. ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13). “if you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

We’re no longer weary pilgrims stumbling along the rocky road, uncertain of where we’re going, but redeemed and victorious through that which has already been won. With a joyful heart and peace in our soul we can walk with confidence into the destiny He has prepared for us, secure in His great and precious promises of more to come (2 Peter 1:4).