Grace Baptist Church

Grace Blog

June 20, 2011

The Pilgrim’s Progress, Part 4

The neighbors also came out to see him run; and, as he ran, some mocked, others threatened, and some cried after him to return; and, among those that did so, there were two that resolved to fetch him back by force. The name of the one was Obstinate and the name of the other Pliable. Now, by this time, the man was got a good distance from them; but, however, they were resolved to pursue him, which they did, and in a little time they overtook him. Then said the man, Neighbors, wherefore are ye come? They said, To persuade you to go back with us. But he said, That can by no means be; you dwell, said he, in the City of Destruction, the place also where I was born: I see it to be so; and, dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than the grave, into a place that burns with fire and brimstone: be content, good neighbors, and go along with me.

Obst. What! said Obstinate, and leave our friends and our comforts behind us? Chr. Yes, said Christian, for that was his name, because that ALL which you shall forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that which I am seeking to enjoy; and, if you will go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself; for there, where I go, is enough and to spare. Come away, and prove my words.

No sooner had Christian taken leave of Evangelist to pursue eternal life than his actions were noticed by the world. He was forsaking the pleasures and ways of the world to find “an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade away.” Not willing to lose one of its own so easily, the world pursued him, to mock and ridicule, and if possible “fetch him back by force.”

Christian was soon overtaken by two citizens of the City of Destruction: Obstinate, a stubborn, close-minded man who would have nothing to do with the Gospel; and Pliable, a man easily swayed and led by those of a stronger character. These two engaged Christian in a conversation to make sport of him and his religion. Though having only a little light and instruction, and in fact, not even yet converted at the cross, Christian gladly and earnestly spoke with them. Having heard the truth from Evangelist, he now becomes an evangelist to spread the warning of coming judgment and the hope of the Gospel.

Herein we can find hope and encouragement. Often we think of an evangelist as one with a special gift and calling who devotes his life and ministry to the spread of the Gospel across the world. But, in fact, all Christians can and should be evangelists. Christian took the scorn of the world and seized upon it as an opportunity to share the light he had been given. He did not run from the world, afraid that he would be laughed at or fearing he knew too little doctrine to face the world’s opposition. Instead he invited Obstinate and Pliable to “go along with me” and tells them “Come away, and prove my words.”

We must pray for the same love that Christian had for his neighbors. They lived on the brink of destruction and Christian had received warning and hope of the way to escape. Like Christian, how could we possibly not speak when God brings the lost across our path?

—Ken Puls

Labels: Cape Coral, Grace Baptist Church, The Pilgrim's Progress | posted by TimBrister at 9:29 am | Categories: Sunday School Stuff, The Pilgrim's Progress |