Wicked Determinations

Journey to the Celestial City #59. In our continuing look at John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress,” today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, the latter having made his defense before the court, his fate is now to be determined. Judge Hate-good instructs the jury. He cites the following former cases as precedent to be followed. Case #1: Pharoah of Egypt (who knew not Joseph) dealt with “those of a contrary religion” by ordering their male babies to be discarded in the river. Case #2: Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon commanded those who would not bend their knee to the golden image to be thrown in the fire. Case #3: Darius the Mede ordered that anyone who prayed to any god except him should be offered as food to the lions. In this manner Judge Hate-good gives into the hands of the jury Faithful’s case concluding that “he deserveth to die the death.” And it’s interesting how the Scripture can be twisted and used against God’s people – and just by overlooking a part of the story. In each case above it should have meant vindication for Faithful. In Case #1, Pharoah’s wicked determination was proven wrong as Israel’s Deliverer (Moses) was plucked from the river by the daughter of Pharoah himself. In Case #2, Nebuchadnezzar’s wicked determination was proven wrong as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego passed through the hot oven’s flames untouched and safe. In Case #3, Darius’ wicked determination was proven wrong as Daniel lived through the night with the kings of beasts (picture above in the public domain on wikipedia). And so it shall be with us. The world may determine our fate based on a part of the story, but the Author who’s writing the story will see us through. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:18) 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 88