Judged By Hate-Good

Journey to the Celestial City #56. In our continuing look at John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress,” today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, having endured further mistreatment for their faith, they are now brought to trial. The presiding judge who will determine their condemnation is named “Lord Hate-good.” The charges against the men include: “That they [are] enemies to, and disturbers of, their trade (that is the wicked goings on of Vanity Fair); that they [have] made commotions and divisions in the town (of Vanity), and [have] won a party to their own most dangerous opinions, in contempt of the law of their (Vanity’s) prince.” Against these charges Faithful confidently defends himself. The final straw comes when he defies Beelzebub, the judge’s prince. This doesn’t sit well with Lord Hate-good (to say the least). And Jesus followers and the enemies of God are destined for confrontation. And as Cain hated his good brother Abel and killed him so the world will despise the believer’s testimony and reject it. Certain unbelievers simply will never budge. Neither should we. “And for what reason did [Cain] slay [Abel]? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:12b-13) “Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate.” (1 Timothy 6:13b) “I will also speak of Your testimones before kings And shall not be ashamed.” (Psalm 119:46) More to come in the next blog post. Check back soon. (To read this entire blog post series, scroll down to “Pilgrim’s Progress Series” in the left sidebar.) pp 85