A PILGRIM WITH FAITH OF A MUSTARD SEED 

1 Peter 1:4 

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

OPENING COMMENT by Robert 

I sought out Matthew Henry’s commentary to draw out the complete depth of what Peter was speaking to those I believe are Pilgrims, but have not understood they are, due to false hope.  

“In this Epistle, Peter is addressing all believers in general, who are strangers in every city or country where they live and are scattered throughout the nations.  

They are to ascribe their salvation to the electing love of the Father, the redemption of the Son, and the sanctification of the Holy Ghost; and so, to give glory to one God in three Persons, into whose name they had been baptized.  

Hope, in the world’s phrase, refers only to an uncertain good, for all worldly hopes are tottering, built upon sand, and the worldling’s hopes of heaven are blind and groundless conjectures.  

But the hope of the sons of the living God is a living hope, not only as to its object but as to its effect also. It enlivens and comforts in all distresses, enables to meet and get over all difficulties.  

Mercy is the spring of all this, yea, great mercy and manifold mercy. And this well-grounded hope of salvation is an active and living principle of obedience in the soul of the believer.  

The matter of a Christian’s joy is the remembrance of the happiness laid up for him. It is incorruptible, it cannot come to nothing, it is an estate that cannot be spent.  

Also undefiled; this signifies its purity and perfection. And it fadeth not; is not sometimes more or less pleasant, but ever the same, still like itself.

All possessions here are stained with defects and failings; still, something is wanting: fair houses have sad cares flying about the gilded and ceiled roofs; soft beds and full tables, are often with sick bodies and uneasy stomachs.  

All possessions are stained with sin, either in getting or in using them. How ready we are to turn the things we possess into occasions and instruments of sin, and to think there is no liberty or delight in their use, without abusing them!  

Worldly possessions are uncertain and soon pass away, like the flowers and plants of the field. That must be of the greatest worth, which is laid up in the highest and best place, in heaven.  

Happy are those whose hearts the Holy Spirit sets on this inheritance. God not only gives his people grace but preserves them unto glory. Every believer has always something wherein he may greatly rejoice; it should show itself in the countenance and conduct.  

The Lord does not willingly afflict, yet his wise love often appoints sharp trials, to show his people their hearts, and to do them good at the latter end. Gold does not increase by trial in the fire, it becomes less; but faith is made firm, and multiplied, by troubles and afflictions. 

Gold must perish at last, and can only purchase perishing things, while the trial of faith will be found to praise, honour, and glory. Let this reconcile us to present afflictions. Seek then to believe Christ’s excellence in himself, and his love to us; this will kindle such a fire in the heart as will make it rise in a sacrifice of love to him. 

And the glory of God and our own happiness are so united, that if we sincerely seek the one now, we shall attain the other when the soul shall no more be subject to evil. The certainty of this hope is as if believers had already received it. 

The apostle Peter does not command but exhorts. He does not claim power to rule over all pastors and churches. It was the peculiar honour of Peter and a few more, to be witnesses of Christ’s sufferings; but it is the privilege of all true Christians to partake of the glory that shall be revealed.  

These poor, dispersed, suffering Christians, were the flock of God, redeemed to God by the great Shepherd, living in holy love and communion, according to the will of God. They are also dignified with the title of God’s heritage or clergy; his peculiar lot, chosen for his own people, to enjoy his special favour, and to do him special service.  

Christ is the chief Shepherd of the whole flock and heritage of God. And all faithful ministers will receive a crown of unfading glory, infinitely better and more honourable than all the authority, wealth, and pleasure of the world. 

CLOSING COMMENTS by Robert 

In an earlier conversation I was explaining I looked up the meaning of a Pilgrim and recognized I am an individual who is journeying in a foreign Land. As that individual even though I habitat in this world and enjoy the comforts and pleasures as I continue my spiritual journey, I never hold unto the worlds hope. I have gained an awareness as shown by the Holy Spirit: “Hope, in the world’s phrase, refers only to an uncertain good, for all worldly hopes are tottering, built upon sand, and the worldling’s hopes of heaven are blind and groundless conjectures.”  

But the hope of the sons of the living God is a living hope, not only as to its object, but as to its effect also. It enlivens and comforts in all distresses, enables to meet and get over all difficulties. 

Christians must not think themselves too wise, too good, or too great, to learn. The people must search the Scriptures, and so far as the ministers teach according to that rule, they ought to receive their instructions as the word of God, which works in those that believe.  

The way in which God recovers and secures his interest in men is by giving them an understanding; for by that door, he enters the soul and gains possession of it. 2Samuel 22:31 “As for God, his way is perfect, the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.” 

As Pilgrims in a strange land in 1Timothy 6: 6-10 we find how our Father brings peace, happiness, contentment, and knowledge we have enough.   

Those who make Christianity a trade to serve their turn for this world, will be disappointed; but those who mind it as their calling. Will find it has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come.  

He that is godly, is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his condition in this world, he has enough; and all sincere righteous people are content.  

We see here the evil of covetousness. It is not said, they that are rich, but they will be rich, who place their happiness in wealth and are eager and determined in the pursuit. Those that are such, give Satan the opportunity of tempting them, leading them to use dishonest means, and other bad practices, to add to their gains.  

As Pilgrims we would not take any thought for our lives. Not about the length of it but refer it to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases. Our times are in his hand, and they are in a good hand. Not about the comforts of this life but leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases.  

Food and raiment God have promised; therefore, we may expect them. Take no thought for the morrow, for the time to come. Be not anxious for the future, how you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave behind you.  

As we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for tomorrow, or the events of it. God has given us life and has given us our body. And what can he not do for us, who did that? If we take care about our souls and for eternity, which are more than the body and its life, we may leave it to God to provide for us food and raiment, which are less. Improve this as an encouragement to trust in God for all things. 

An individual challenged me to what he suggested was an impossible task in his mind. My answer was I have been taught if I have the faith of a mustard seed, I can move a mountain. As a Pilgrim passing through this world having the faith of a mustard seed what else do I need. 

That duty being our willingness to prepare ourselves to be attendants ready to welcome Him at His arrival. This speaks of actual preparation for the Groom’s coming, even for those who are prepared for death. It warns we must all be continuously searching our hearts for vain confidence, or conceit of goodness of our state, and our readiness for another world. 

Remember, these messages are given by a humble servant obedient to our Lord Yeshua as a Watchman. I pray for all. ”Our Heavenly Father brings us to the river which bringeth forth fruit so we may partake of its sustenance and be filled spiritually with nurturing wisdom, and humble dedication in service to Yeshua. “Blessings to All.” As you go forward in peace, knowledge, and strength.