John Bunyan’s timeless book, The Pilgrim’s Progress, recounts the story of a man named Christian on his way to the Celestial City. The journey is no easy feat. Along the way, Christian faces obstacles that threaten to keep him from his destination: the Valley of the Shadow of Death, the hill Difficulty, Vanity Fair, and the Giant Despair who resides in Doubting Castle, to name a few. In fact, Christian’s path to the great city is full of hurdles until the very end. As he nears the Celestial City, he is required to cross a bridgeless river before permitted entry. His journey is wearisome, but in the end worthwhile. Upon entering the city, Christian beholds wonders words can’t adequately depict. Streets paved with gold. Men walking around with crowns on their heads. Angels declaring the holiness of God. And a matchless King who rules over all. He was finally home.

The Pilgrim’s Progress was first published in 1678, nearly 350 years ago. Yet its message remains relevant for our lifetime. As believers read this book, they can place themselves in Christian’s shoes with ease. Although we aren’t on a literal pilgrimage traversing foreign lands, we all long to be in that place referred to by Bunyan as the Celestial City. Every believer awaits entry into their everlasting inheritance, the new heaven and earth (Rev. 21:1-7).

But as with Christian, our path to the city is not without complication. Any given day may bring turmoil, distress, and heartache. The pains of a sin-cursed world labor to extinguish the hope of the glories that await those who are in Christ. We all inevitably have experiences which leave our souls wearied. And like Christian, we need help advancing in our own pilgrimage. 

28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”