Hebrews 11:13-14 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them… I. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE METAPHOR. 1. The pilgrim's original home was in the city of destruction. 2. His pilgrimage commenced through the influence of the gospel on his heart. 3. By faith in God's testimony he set his face towards the heavenly Zion. 4. As a pilgrim he claims no possession in the country through which he passes. 5. As a pilgrim he travels onwards towards the city of habitation. II. THE QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES INVOLVED IN IT. 1. A pilgrim's heart. And that is a renewed heart; one delivered from the love of sin and the world. 2. A pilgrim's head. A knowledge of his way; of the good old way; the way revealed in the Holy Scriptures; a way written in the luminous words of God; a way trodden by all preceding pilgrims journeying to Zion. 3. A pilgrim's spirit. The spirit which has animated every child of God. (1) Of devotion and direct intercourse with God. (2) Of praise; singing His statutes, and rejoicing in His grace. (3) Of self-denial: sacrificing self, and submitting fully to the will of God. (4) Of faith and hope: believing and trusting in the truth and goodness of the promises of God. (5) Of vigilance, to watch against enemies and perils. (6) Of perseverance: holding on his way. 4. A pilgrim's resources. (1) His staff on which to lean. And this is the pledged promise of God, that His own presence shall go with him, and never, never leave him. (2) His provisions: bread and water given him from heaven. The true manna and the streams of salvation. "If any man thirst." (3) His houses of entertainment. Places where he can be welcomed to the hospitable board and chamber of repose. These are the ordinances of religion, and the various social and private means of grace. (4) Suitable raiment, and especially sandals for his journey. "Thy shoes shall be iron and brass," &c. "Feet shod," &c. Application: 1. How really happy is the Christian pilgrim; his sorrows and crosses will soon be over, and that for ever: his present comforts and blessings are rich and numerous. 2. How glorious the end of his journey. The heavenly Jerusalem; the city of God; world of light, and life, and glory. 3. Urge sinners to set out on this spiritual pilgrimage. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. |
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