INTERLUDE

When my computer suddenly appeared to house a manic woodpecker I knew it was about to crash.
Like most equipment these days it probably has a short shelf life.   The constant upgrading required is now sadly beyond my finance so it was off to the experts for diagnosis and possible surgery.

Determined to make the best of this blessed interlude I decided it was time to tidy my C.D. and book collection and remove Christian literature written by men and women who although initially appeared to be moving in a right direction had sadly fallen prey to their own agenda and egotism.   Put simply
"they have lost the plot" and rather than pollute another searching soul perhaps the recycling bin would be more appropriate.

A pristine blue and gold hardback Classic by Hendrickson of John Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress was the next book on the shrinking pile for consideration.    A few years ago the mail order book arrived on my door mat and briefly turning the pages I found the old English daunting and wondered if I would ever get around to reading the contents.   To be fair John does warn the reader in his author's apology

"And thus it was: I, writing of the way
And race of saints in this our Gospel-day

this was certainly going to be a challenge as I was oft heard to complain "what - what does that mean reading Paul's letters!  Why couldn't he just say - my flesh is weak - I am prone to drop my cross - simples!!!

A fellow Christian commented "how did you cope without cyberspace for five months" my reply "easy David, it took me three months to read Pilgrims Progress" and  I can't even remember why I ordered the book in the first place.   It is easy to see why this classic is so loved by those who struggle with Sin City and thirst for a better land.

So my pilgrimage began and the flimsy pages of my study bible were considerably weakened by the constant "to and fro" checking every numerical biblical quote and despite slow progress it was well worth the effort.

When Christian finds his journey blocked by Apollyon - alias Satan - it is suggested he changes sides because if he continues to serve his Lord he will pay a heavy price, even his life, cunningly reminding him many have been put to death.    Hardly the stuff of prosperity preachers.    On the other hand he (Satan) has delivered either by power or fraud those who are his followers.   SOUND FAMILIAR.

 Psalm 22 - 7-8
All those who see me ridicule me,
They shoot out the lip, and shake their head saying
He trusted in the Lord let Him rescue him, 
Let him deliver him, since He delights in him.

Christian refuses to give way and Apollyon proceeds to beat seven bells out of the poor lad and leaves him for dead.   There were moments of humour and I couldn't help but giggle at Bunyan's description of the old Pope sat in the entrance to his cave at the end of the valley of the Shadow of Death.   Sterile,
biting his fingernails, because he couldn't touch the pilgrims, and poor old Faithful nearly beaten to death by Moses (the Law) but saved in the nick of time by a man with holes in his hands and side who Faithful considered his Lord and Saviour.

Of course Christian reaches the Celestial City despite every best effort of a long list of characters who would have happily blocked his way who are alive and well in the modern world.   Mr. Worldly Wise and Mr. Atheist, Mr. Love Lust, Mr. Talkative, Mr. Malice, Mr. Highlife, Mr. High Mind, Mr. Love Money to mention just a few.

Somewhere in the future I may be fortunate enough to actually thank John Bunyan for this amazing work.   Until that day I continue to limp homeward only regretting I hadn't read this brilliant book at the start of my personal pilgrimage.

Psalm 17

As for me I will see your face in righteousness

I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness.

This timeless classic is as relevant today as the day it was written and a very necessary encouragement for any Christian beginning their journey.

1 John 2 - 16 - 17

For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh,

the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.

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