Section 1: Living as a Pilgrim
Definitions:
A Pilgrim is a wayfarer, one who journeys to a foreign land, travels to a holy place. Pilgrimage then is our course of life on earth.
Our time on earth is like a pilgrimage. Just imagine that you are spending a short time in another country. It might be for vacation, business, or family visit. You want to become acquainted with your surroundings, culture, laws and regulations so you can be a good citizen and not offend anyone. You want to enjoy and take advantage of positive activities and sites. But you wouldn’t become so completely involved in or wholly concerned about your temporary environment that you forget about the fact that you will be leaving to return to your home.
The Bible describes our time on earth in the following verses:
Ps 119:19. Ps 144:3-4. 1 Chron 29:14-15. Job 14:1,2.
1 peter 1:24. Ps 90:10-12. Phil 3:20.
The Bible also gives direction as to how to spend our time here on earth seeking His guidance and strength.
Ps 90:12-14. Micah 6:8. 1 Cor 15:58. Deut 5:33.
We are warned to avoid being so entangled in earthly issues that we neglect the spiritual.
Mt 13:22. 1 John 2:15-17. Rom 12:2 1 John 4:1, 4
Even though we may go through difficult times on our pilgrimage we can trust that God will see us through to the end.
2 Tim 1:12.
Section 2: Ending This Life as a pilgrim
We have examples of Biblical characters approaching their final days on earth.
Jacob blesses his grandsons in Gen 48:15-16
David looks back on his life and wants to proclaim God’s greatness to future generations: Psalm 71:17-18
David Blesses his son in 1 Chron 29:19
Might we consider blessing our children and grandchildren, reminding them of our God who has guided our life and asking God to guide their lives?
David also wrote comforting psalms about the approach of death.
Ps 23:4. Ps 73:23-28. Ps 84:1-2.
Paul refers to finishing the race:
Acts 20:24. 2 Tim 4:6-8.
Paul assures us of our union with Christ in Rom 8:35ff.
Section 3: The Pilgrim’s Destination: HEAVEN IS MY HOME. John 14:2
Our transformation
Eccl 12:7. Ps 49:15. Phil 3:20. 1 Cor 15:52-57. 1 pet 1:4-5.
Together with Christ
1 Thess 4:13, 16, 17. Job 19: 25-27. 1 Cor 13:12-13. Ps 17:15. 1 Thess 5:9-11
New heaven and new earth: Rev 21:1-8
May God be with you on your pilgrimage and on to your destination.
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