Rick’s Reflections- 4/7/2019

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Today we begin a short series on the work of Christ and its implications for each of us. We will think about the different aspects of His ministry and how they teach us not only more about Him but about our response to Him. As we approach the most significant season of the year it is my prayer that we see the “old, old story” with new eyes and a deeper appreciation.

On a side note, this month a new version of the Christian classic The               Pilgrim’s Progress has been made into an animated movie. It will be shown locally for only 2 days (April 18 & 20) at a few select places. AMC Classic Bloomington 11 has a 12:55 showing on the 20th.

The Pilgrim’s Progress is a 1678 Christian allegory written by John Bunyan. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature and has been translated into more than 200 languages and has never been out of print. The entire book is presented as a dream sequence narrated by an omniscient narrator. The allegory’s central character, Christian, is an everyman character, and the plot centers on his journey from his hometown, the “City of Destruction” (“this world”), to the “Celestial City” (“that which is to come” Heaven) atop Mount Zion.

Abraham Lincoln said of this book; “When I was young, I read a book that most people read in my day, but few read today, Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan. It’s a classic that tells the story of a lonely, resolute traveler who struggled with temptation, overcame despondency, and reached his goal.  Pilgrim’s Progress became a metaphor for my life.” 

I would highly recommend this book and the movie. If you feel funny going to an animated movie, take a kid with you. It will give you a lot to talk about afterwards.

Blessings,

Rick