The First 15

Thursday May 25, 2023

by Jan Davis

Today is Thursday, May 25 and we are exploring what the Bible says about spiritual pilgrimage.

Opening Prayer

Each day I begin a pilgrim journey in the company of the Lord my God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I quiet my restless thoughts, center myself in his love and prepare to walk in his presence.

Pause and Pray

Father God, give me a glimpse of your holiness and righteousness. Lord Jesus, reveal the futile inadequacies of the world around me. Holy Spirit, guide me upward on the road toward maturity and grant me grace to travel the well-worn path. Amen

Scripture Reading

I begin my pilgrimage journey with the first Psalm of Ascent, Psalm 120.

I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. Psalm 120:1-2

Pause and Pray

The Psalms of Ascent are the Psalms numbered 120 through 134. These fifteen psalms were sung in sequence by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem to attend the great worship festivals. Three times a year they journeyed – for the Feast of Passover in the Spring, the Feast of Pentecost in early Summer and the Feast of Tabernacles in Autumn. Jerusalem was the highest city in the region, so all who traveled there spent much of the journey ascending upward in altitude. The ascent was not only literal but also a metaphor. The trip represents a life lived upward over time toward God, a faith that advances from one degree of holiness to another and develops maturity. This is what Paul describes as the goal of our faith.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

Reflection

What is the goal of the Christian life? What is the prize? If we are “going for the gold”, what “gold” are we going for? John Wesley, the 18th Century founder of the Methodist movement, taught that the goal of the Christian life is holiness. Holiness of life arises from holiness of heart. We press on to Christian maturity and fullness in the faith. Paul was clear that he had not yet reached the goal and neither have we. We are in the process of transformation, and we cannot attain the goal on our own by anything we do in our own effort. We are not on a path of self-improvement or upwardly mobile through religious efforts. We need the Holy Spirit.

Ask: Am I on a path of self-improvement or God-improvement? Am I pressing on toward the goal of Christian maturity in cooperation with the Holy Spirit?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, I set my eyes on the prize of my faith. Help me see how far I have already traveled and help me press on toward the goal you have for me. I am not worthy to be your disciple, but I know that you can make me holy. I press on, keeping my eyes on you and striving to live a life that will bring you glory, honor and praise. I read the words from Philippians again and listen for the message you have for me.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Paul gives me the image of a runner in the homestretch straining forward toward the finish line. Giving it his all. Paul aims for the prize before him. He is one-minded, focused and striving. Like an ancient runner, I concentrate on the finish post. I press on to the future God has for me. I strain forward to what lies ahead. I put the past behind – and leave my failures and shortcomings in the dust. God has already brought me this far and I look forward with anticipation to what God is still going to do – working for good in me and in my life.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, you are the author, perfector and finisher of every good thing. I know you have begun a good work in me and have yet to bring it to completion. Thank you for the progress you have already made in me and encourage me to press on for the ultimate prize and goal of the life of faith. Amen.

I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4b-6

Closing Prayer

I leave this time of prayer confident in the perfect love of Christ Jesus, I go to share his love with others.

Amen

The First 15

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