Pilgrims, Not Travelers – A Quick Word of Encouragement for You
"Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength, each one appears before God in Zion." (Psalms 84:5-7)
A pilgrim moves with purpose to sacred places, within a covenant community. Their heart is set on pilgrimage, which is a long journey of purpose.
Pilgrims pass through the Valley of Baca (tears), But their experience becomes transformative. In historical context, the practice of pilgrims was to dig cisterns to capture rain and dew to provide a resource for those who followed—"THEY make it a spring." Pilgrims always think about others. They turn hard places into springs and pools for those who follow, “the rain to cover it with pools.” Travelers consume and move on.
Valleys of Baca become the foundation for pilgrims to go “from strength to strength” and appear before God!
Through faith and perseverance, even difficult times become sources of blessing. Pilgrims don’t just endure; they actively create a source of life and refreshment. Pilgrimage defines what Jesus did for us.
~ Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
#40dayemphasis #devotionalreading
Today's reading from Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/old-new-testament/today
Worship playlist: https://vimeo.com/1104139723
Prayer and fasting resources: https://www.newcovenant.org/fasting
Today's reading from Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/old-new-testament/today
Worship playlist: https://vimeo.com/1104139723
Prayer and fasting resources: https://www.newcovenant.org/fasting
