Read Psalm 84:5-8. 5Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. 8O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob!
The psalmist is trying to make it back to Zion, back to the Temple of God, his lovely dwelling place (v.1). He can see the pilgrims getting closer and closer to the city of God, moving from strength to strength through the dry Valley of Baca, as approach their holy destination.
Christian, you too are a pilgrim. Likely not travelling through literal deserts to Mount Zion, but travelling nonetheless on a spiritual path into ever deepening communion with Christ until you find yourself in his presence. Together as fellow travelers we find our strength in Jesus. We follow the highway of faith constructed by those who have gone before us. We move from strength to strength, or as Paul put it, from glory to glory. The strength that comes only from the weakness of submission to his way of the cross. The glory of the grace filled life. The longer we walk with Christ the stronger the desire to be like him, to know him, to let him love us.
Like the pilgrims of old, in Christ we too make springs in Bacca. Fountains in the desert. We dig out of the dry ground of pain, loss, and hardship the streams of living water discovered only through faith in Christ. We leave behind an oasis of grace for the next weary travelers, as they find refreshment from our witness to the faithfulness of God.
To live is Christ is the pilgrim way. A journey from strength to strength, glory to glory, as we walk with the Lord, drinking from his love in the deserts of life.
You: Do you see yourself as a pilgrim making your way home to God?
You in Christ: How does knowing your united to Christ allow your journey to be from strength to strength?
Christ in you: How might you create an oasis of grace for other weary travelers today?
Prayer. Jesus, Lord of hosts, hear my prayer. I know that I am never alone on this pilgrim way. Lead me from strength to strength until I’m home with you. Amen.
To Live is Christ 