FROM THIS WORLD, TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME
CHAPTER 2
WEEK 1 – TUESDAY
Bible reading indicated in the text
Read and pray: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Rom. 8:18)
The Slough of Despond (1)
CHRISTIAN began to run in the direction that had been shown to him; but his wife and children, seeing him flee, ran after him, begging him to return home. Christian paid them no heed and, increasing his pace, cried out loudly: “Life, life, eternal life” (Luke 14:26). And, not looking back (Genesis 19:17; 2 Corinthians 4:18), he continued until he reached the middle of the plain.
His neighbors also came out (Jeremiah 20:10). Some mocked him, others threatened him, and still others shouted for him to return. Among the latter were two men determined to seize him and bring him back by force. These were named Obstinate and Pliable. Despite the considerable distance the fugitive had already traveled, the two neighbors, redoubling their efforts, managed to catch up with him.
—What do you want from me? Christian asked them.
—We want you to come back with us.
—That’s impossible, replied Christian. The city where you live, and where I was also born, is the City of Destruction. If you die there, you will be buried in a place deeper than the grave, where fire and brimstone burn.
Come then, neighbors, take courage and come with me.
Obstinate —What are you saying? Should we leave our friends and comforts?
Christian —Certainly, friend; for all these things are nothing compared to the smallest part of what I am seeking to enjoy (Romans 8:18). If you come with me, you shall enjoy it all with me, for there is plenty where I am going, and for everyone (Luke 15:17). Come and see for yourselves.
Obstinate —But what are these things you seek, for which you are abandoning all that the world can offer?
Christian —I seek an incorruptible inheritance, that cannot be defiled or fade away (1 Peter 1:4), reserved securely in heaven (Hebrews 11:16), to be given, in due time, to those who earnestly seek it. That’s what my book declares; read it, if you wish, and I’ll convince you of the truth.
Obstinate —Oh, stop with that book stuff; will you come back home or not?
Christian —Never; for I’ve already put my hand to the plow (Luke 9:62).
Obstinate —In that case, neighbor Pliable, let’s leave him and go home. There are many people who lack judgment, and once an idea gets stuck¹ in their heads, they think themselves wiser than the seven sages of Greece combined.
Pliable² —No need for insults. If what he says is true, there’s no doubt that the things he seeks are incomparably better than what we have. My heart tells me he’s quite right, and I feel inclined to go with him.
Obstinate —So, have you gone mad³ too? Come, take my advice and come home with me. Do you even know where that madman might take you? Come on.
Christian —Let him speak, friend Pliable; come with me and you’ll not only see proof of what I’ve said, but much more. If you doubt my words, read this book; the truth it contains is confirmed by the blood of the One who is its Author (Hebrews 9:17–21).
Pliable —Friend Obstinate, my mind is made up: I will go with this man and share my fate with his. But tell me (turning to Christian), do you know the way that leads to the place we’re seeking?
Christian —The one who showed me the way was a man named Evangelist. According to what he told me, we shall find a narrow gate, further ahead, and there we’ll be told which path we are to follow.
Pliable —Then let’s go!
And both set off together.
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¹ It’s a form of the verb “encasquetar”: to become obsessed or fixated on an idea
² In other versions, Pliable is called Flexível.
³ Among those who walk on the Way, even fools shall not go astray (Isaiah 35:8–9)
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