Pilgrims. That’s what they chose to call themselves. But why such a strange name?
The black hats, big buckles and grey whiskers we associate with the Thanksgiving day pilgrims was actually the attire of a later group, the Puritans. The Pilgrims wore bright clothing and were mostly young adults and young families in their 20s and early 30s. They called themselves “Pilgrims” because of this passage:
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13
“Having not received the promises but having seen them afar off”. These folks knew the dangers they faced and the sacrifices they made were not primarily for them but for future generations. Even today, we enjoy the benefits their sacrifices purchased. The Mayflower Compact, signed by them before going ashore, for example, was the first example of a self-governing people – government “of the people, by the people and for the people”.
Half of the original “pilgrims” who came on the Mayflower died the first winter yet they gave thanks to God for His goodness toward them. Such people are not living for today or what they can gain in this life. They are obviously living for eternity – embracing the promises of God that are ahead.
As we pause to give thanks to God for His abundant blessing in our lives let’s reflect on Who and what we are living for. Are you living for today or for That day – the day we stand before Him to give account for what we did with the abundant blessings He has showered on us.
You may think you have little but you live better than kings and queens of past generations – drafty, cold, damp castles, medical care that often killed more than the diseases, access to fruits and vegetables (and Cheetos) year-round. The poorest among us are blessed beyond the imagination of most who have walked this earth.
They “confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” They lived for That day and the next passage gives God’s evaluation of such people. “Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God”. (Hebrews 11:16)
I know I want God to be able to say that about me – “I am not ashamed to be called His God.” How about you? Is that your desire, too, my fellow pilgrim?
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1 Peter 2:11
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;