I've been reading Little Pilgrim's Progress (a children's version of John Bunyan's classic: Pilgrim's Progress), complete with pictures, via video for my six-year-old grand-daughter, Brynley Joy.
It's been fun to re-read this age-old novel, and follow little Christian's journey (as portrayed by a small bunny), observing his travels as through the eyes of a child.
Photo Credit: Little Pilgrim's Progress. "Encouraged on the journey by others."
As Christian journeys toward the Celestial City, he encounters road blocks, enemies and difficulties, as well as joys, new friends, and better yet, blessings, all along the way.
But, over the last couple of days, I read the chapters where Christian and his good friend, Faithful, have to go through the city of Vanity Fair.
Vanity Fair has been built by the Wicked Prince, and he has servants who govern this incredible city filled with lovely items sure to distract.
The goal, of course, is to convince one little bunny and his buddy to cease their pilgrimage to the City of the Great King and simply stay put in this worldly place.
It's all a ploy by the Wicked Prince, who wants nothing more than to persuade pilgrims to give up, preventing them from stepping closer to the Celestial City.
The thing is there is no way around the city.
You have to go through it.
...and few remain unscathed.
Every pilgrim must pass through Vanity Fair, and, as we find out, it is not easy to stay focused...
Yet, Christian and Faithful don't give in to the whims of the evil one, and as a result they are mocked, beaten, and thrown into a cage where they suffer miserably.
Traveling through Vanity Fair can also be quite dangerous, even unto death.
It helped that the boys had been warned about Vanity Fair by Evangelist, and they had entered the city mentally, spiritually and emotionally prepared.
Plus they had each other's encouragement.
The two boys are taken before the governor, where they are given another chance to change their minds.
However, the little pilgrims remain steadfast in their desire to go forward to the Celestial City, no matter how difficult the journey.
While in the Governor's Court (and standing before a jury of twelve) small Faithful asks to speak and is granted permission.
Although a timid boy, he affirms his desire to go on to the King he loves dearly, and assures the governor that he will never obey anyone else.
As little Christian hears all Faithful declares, he wonders when he became so brave...
...and, as the jury sentences Faithful to death in the marketplace, Christian sees him look skyward and his face turn radiant with a beautiful light.
Christian, too, looks up and sees a band of angels with their wings outspread, waiting to carry the soul of Faithful directly to the Celestial City.
Such is our journey Heavenward to be with our Forever-King.
The world is constantly trying to distract us with pretty baubles and bangles that get our attention off the journey we are traveling.
Those who remain unpersuaded and loyal to the High-King are mocked, teased, and treated brutally.
Persecution follows...
...sometimes death.
Many will suffer for their faithfulness and obedience to the King they have never seen, but love with all their hearts - those who love Him because He first loved them, removed their worldly burdens of sin at the cross, and secured their future for eternity.
These speak openly about the King's Book, which record His words and bring comfort.
These remain undistracted by the temptations to turn aside.
The problem is as fellow sojourners, we all find ourselves in the "city of the Wicked Prince."
We all have to go through it.
Few will get past unscathed.
Some will die for their faithfulness.
The questions remain the same for us all -
How great is our understanding of the King's Love for us?
How focused are our hearts on heavenly matters?
How well do we grasp the words our King has recorded for us?
And, what difference will this all make when the Wicked Prince and his cronies attempt to persuade us to transgress off of The Way?
The one thing I am remembering from Pilgrim's Progress is the need to be AWARE of what is ahead, and remain intentional about our preparation for the dangers and distractions, which could be ahead.
The Lord sends others who warn us all, plus we have His Book; so, we shouldn't be caught off guard - but lean into the help He offers for "such a time as this."
What kind of help?
Courage we didn't even know we possessed.
Comfort in Truth...and THE COMFORTER, God's Holy Spirit inside of us.
Consolation in community.
Compassion from our own Suffering Savior.
And...maybe even a band of unseen angels waiting to welcome us.
Photo credit: Ruth Chou Simons, "Pilgrim"
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