Sojourners

"The way to Heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh." ~ Jonathan Edwards, “The Christian Pilgrim”

I love this quote because Edwards reminds us that we cannot expect that our pilgrimage through this world to be easy. This world hates those who follow Christ (John 15:19) and, as we have seen in the lives of Christ and the apostles, it does not make the journey easy. However, two things God has shown us can encourage us in this. First, we are not alone in our battle for we are promised that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (Phil. 1:6) and "it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Phil. 2:13). Second, there is a great prize at the end (I Cor. 9:24), which is Christ. This prize is so great that to die is gain, as Paul reminds us (Phil. 1:21).

It is hard, but worth it. As Edwards reminds us later, "How can you better employ your strength, use your means, and spend your days, than in traveling the road that leads to the everlasting enjoyment of God: to his glorious presence, to the new Jerusalem, to the heavenly mount Zion, where all your desires will be filled and no danger of ever losing your happiness? — No man is at home in this world, whether he choose heaven or not: here he is but a transient person. Where can you choose your home better than in heaven?"

By His Grace,
Taylor