PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit" (I Corinthians 2:9-10a).
"So in the morning they all got up, and after some more discourse they told him that he should not depart until they had shown him some the treasures of that place."
First, the inhabitants of the House Beautiful – that is Watchful, Discretion, Prudence, Piety and Charity -- showed him the historical records: the genealogy of the Lord of the Hill, the list of His acts, the roster of all those who had been in His service along with their mighty deed (ala Hebrews 11), and the writings of the prophets. There was a museum that contained the articles that represented the wonderful times when God showed Himself strong, such as the rod of Moses, the sling of David, and many other items of interest. Then they took him into the armory, where there was stored all of the articles of warfare that would outfit Christians, such as swords, shields, helmet, breastplates, shoes that would not wear out, and prayer which would help him be victorious in the Christian life (ala Ephesians 6). And just before he departed for the rest of his journey, they showed him the Delectable Mountains that he would come to on his way to the Celestial City – "a most pleasant mountainous country, beautified with woods, vineyard, fruits of all sorts, flowers, springs, and fountains, very delectable to behold." The name of this place was Immanuel's Land, from which he could see the Celestial City. Before he left the House Beautiful to continue his journey, Christian was dressed in armor from the storehouse, with which he would be victorious in future trials. Then he continued on his journey.
All of these things were important to the growth and strength of Christian on his journey – a secure basis for faith from the historical perspective, the preparation for battle, and a view of the Celestial City as the destination. We call this discipleship, and it is vital for being a strong Christian. Too often people bypass this place of learning and training and their faith suffers because of it. May we be faithful to obey the Lord's commandment, "teaching them to observe all thing I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20).
Love, Dad
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