A favorite song of mine sings this verse:
Mine are days here as a stranger
Christ Is Mine Forevermore by CityAlight Music
Pilgrim on a narrow way
One with Christ I will encounter
Harm and hatred for His name
But mine is armour for this battle
Strong enough to last the war
And He has said He will deliver
Safely to the golden shore
Great song! Great reminder that Christ’s redemptive work is mine to enjoy for all eternity, come what may. And it’s this eternal perspective that serves as the impetus for the pilgrim’s journey along the narrow way.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ introduces a scene of adoration, terror and praise. John is taken into the throne room of heaven where he witnesses a stunning visual of angels, precious stones and strange creatures, a crystal sea in which sits a grand throne, capped off with a sealed scroll and a slain Lamb. It’s chapters 4 and 5 of the Book of the Revelation and all throughout these two chapters is singing or chanting for God’s glory and the Lamb’s honor. The scene is, in a word, awesome! Towards the end of chapter 5 is this statement, “. . . . for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God . . . .” (Revelation 5:9-10)
The Kingdom of Heaven and The People of God.
The Bible crescendos from a single tribe (Abraham and his sons) to the broader theater of humanity. When God establishes His covenant in Genesis 12 and 15, He promises Abram that through him all nations will be blessed. Redemptive history progresses forward in time and Abram’s family grows into the Children of Israel, and by the time of King David, Israel counts for several million, “the people of God.” When the New Testament opens we’re introduced to the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, as well as an invitation for anyone who is not Israel to become “the people of God” simply by putting their faith in Jesus. (“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” –John 1:12) The crescendo ends with the statement above from Revelation 5, “You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation . . . .” (emphasis mine)
For the pilgrim, aligning oneself with special interest groups or particular causes of the world could require one to line up against fellow pilgrims and that’s risky business. God is drawing all people’s to Himself for salvation, not only Americans. There is a greater awareness for world evangelism, and pilgrims cannot trifle over policies and presidents. For in the end of all things, border patrol and immigration reform won’t matter but only the Kingdom of Heaven and those who are the People of God.
Glorify. Train. Engage. 