Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims

Introduction:

The words of this song were written back in the 1800’s by Isaac Carman.  It encourages us to look “over the rolling river” to “where the shining mansions rise.”  Even though we are pilgrims on earth, we long for our eternal home in heaven.

Body:

I. What Is A Pilgrim? 

· In general, a pilgrim is one who journeys in a foreign or alien land, not their home.  Example:  The Mayflower Pilgrims

· The Greek word means one who resides in a strange place among unfamiliar people.  Old Testament:  Faithful  (Hebrews 11:13-16)  Abraham  (Hebrews 11:8-9)

· Also used in I Peter 2:11 Sojourners, exiles, foreigners (See also Psalm 39:12, Psalm 119:19) 

II. How Is My Life A Pilgrimage?

· Our lives on earth are brief and temporary. (Proverbs 27:1, James 4:13-15)  (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7)

· Christians are foremost and primarily citizens of heaven, not earth.  (Philippians 3:20-12)

· My physical body is just an earthly tent.  (II Peter 1:12-15)  It’s a tabernacle that houses the eternal.  (II Corinthians 5:1-4)

· The apostle Paul had a great desire to depart from his earthly pilgrimage.  (Philippians 1:23)  The word he used for depart was also used for striking camp, loosening the tent ropes, pulling up the stakes and moving on.  Each day is a day’s march nearer home. 

III. What Does It Mean to Be A Pilgrim?

· We must see ourselves as a stranger and a foreigner in this world.  (John 17:14-16)  We pass our time here in “fear.”  (I Peter 1:17)

· We must realize how brief our time on earth really is.  (Romans 13:11-12a)

· We keep our eyes on heaven.  (Colossians 3:1-4) 

Conclusion:

In heaven our pilgrimage will be over and we will be in the presence of our Heavenly Father forever. 

Bobby Stafford

August 3, 2014