22. Pilgrimage to Paradise: Don't Be Afraid!

Pixabay

A pilgrim's journey through an increasingly hostile world is not easy. All the encouragement and instruction given by Peter to the believers scattered throughout Asia and Palestine was valuable. But without a doubt there were moments of fear and worry that would have plagued the followers of Jesus even though they had their eyes fixed on home, on the incorruptible treasure waiting for them. The determination to stand for their faith would meet opposition again and again. It might result in more loss than that which they had already suffered. Concern would turn to worry, and worry turn to fear.

So Peter writes these words in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 

Anxiety is an overwhelming consumer of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual resources. I would like to say that it is like a vacuum cleaner sucking up everything around it, except that my vacuum cleaners are not nearly as efficient as all that! But you get the idea.

Peter doesn't dwell on these few, but all-important words. He gives just a simple reminder to those to whom he is writing to not forget that God is bigger than whatever it is that might be generating their fears. And not only is God greater, but He also cares deeply and will not abandon them. They were not alone.

Did they remember the psalmist's words in Psalm 92?

"But you, Lord, are for ever exalted. For surely your enemies, Lord, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered….The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon, planted in the house of the of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, 'The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

But there was still a path to be traveled so, along with the encouragement not to allow anxiety to overcome their commitment but to give their fears into the hands of the Almighty, Peter sends them one last  exhortation.

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering."

The anxiety and fear has a name, and a purpose. He is the real enemy. Do not give in to him.

And then the final word to the pilgrims: Keep your eyes on the prize.

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."

William Henry Burleigh penned these words which could easily reflect the prayers of the pilgrims of Peter's day, and which can become our prayer as well as we continue our journey toward Paradise.

Lead us, O Father, in the paths of peace;

Without Thy guiding hand we go astray,

And doubts appall, and sorrows still increase;

Lead us through Christ, the true and living way.

Lead us, O Father, in the paths of truth;

Uphelped by Thee in error's maze we grope,

While passion stains, and folly dims our youth,

And age comes on, uncheered by faith and hope.

Lead us, O Father, in the paths of right;

Blindly we stumble when we walk alone,

Involved in shadows of a darksome night;

Only with Thee we journey safely on.

Lead us, O Father, to Thy heavenly rest,

However rough and steep the path may be,

Through joy or sorrow, as Thou deemest best,

Until our lives are perfected in Thee.