Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. – John 17:24
Pilgrim’s Progress, written in 1675 by John Bunyan, tells of a young man named Christian and his journey to the Celestial City, those he meets along the way, and the trials and circumstances he faces on his travels. The goal of that allegorical character was the hope of eternal life in the happy and glorious company of God and the Heavenly Host. Bunyan himself was in prison during the writing of Pilgrim’s Progress and other books, theses and letters. His imprisonment followed his Bible teachings on reformation theology at a time when religious intolerance in Europe was at its height. Cliffs Notes summarizes that Bunyan was accused of treating “sacred matters in too colloquial and familiar a style a manner.”
In John 14:2-3, Jesus told His disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.” In today’s verse, in His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus reminds the Father of His longing to have His followers with Him in the eternal glory of His presence. It is the promise for everyone who has come to Christ by faith. That makes each believer a pilgrim on his own journey toward the heavenly place where the Lord dwells. Like the young man in Bunyan’s story, there will be obstacles and adversity along the journey. Jesus told His disciples, “I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Pilgrim, you are a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20)—this world is not your home; you’re “just a -passin’ through.” God has provided you with His road map for navigating the perils and pitfalls and experiencing the joys and pleasures of life with Him here and now. As your heavenly citizenship comes with responsibilities, so does your temporary citizenship on Earth. Eternal values need to guide or supersede your earthly values. Pray for legislators in states across the country to know the values God wants and enact laws accordingly.
Today’s Verse: John 17:24
Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 3:12-21
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
