Category: Bible (Page 36 of 334)

At the finish of the Camino de Santiago everyone celebrates. Pilgrims cheer and greet each other at the cathedral, the final point of the journey. One sees joy, laughter and even tears in the crowd. This happiness only dimly reflects the future celebration of when we unite with Christ and His Church.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set out for us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Here’s how I describe the scene in my book, Seers, Sayers, Schemers, & Saints:

The author of Hebrews introduces us to an idea that we don’t often consider. Apparently, we are “surrounded” by a great cloud of witnesses, the men and women who lived and died for their faith. Picture yourself running a marathon, where all along the route people cheer for you and call you by name. In some unknown way, faithful men and women who’ve gone before us continue to encourage us in our efforts to run with Jesus. We cannot see them, and we cannot hear them, but they are near. Who lines the path you’re running?

Sounds like Caleb, Rahab, Jonathan and Daniel stand shouting. Priscilla, Aquila and Paul await your arrival a few paces over. Many more who’ve lived for Christ throughout the centuries choose prime spots. Included in the group are your ancestors who followed Jesus. Maybe a godly grandparent looks on expectantly? Perhaps even the early Christians from your tribe, tongue, or nation? Regardless, they stand present. Watching you, willing you on, applauding your steps of faith. 

As you consider your journey of faith, who are your fellow pilgrims? Who walks beside you in meaningful ways? Who shouts from among your witnesses, those cheering you on as you finish your race?

Take some time to reflect on those who’ve walked the path of faith with you. Thank the Lord for such good people in your life. Finally, pray for those within your sphere of influence—who needs your encouragement to cross the finish line?

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Photo: Front facade of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela

You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way (Psalm 18:36).

The actual walking surface of the Camino de Santiago varies. Crushed gravel makes up parts of the path. In other places you encounter asphalt, or a dirt track, or a concrete sidewalk. At times the way turns rocky, with thick roots spanning the trail. You must keep alert for changes underfoot.

Signs helpfully mark the trail, too many to get really lost. Plus, lots of helpful people will point you in the right direction. But failing to pay attention can cost you several extra miles.

Blisters emerge as the most painful problem when you walk 10-15 miles, day after day. A bit of dirt in your shoe leads to days of painful tramping. Wise pilgrims avoid blisters, and have a plan in mind to treat those that arise. You really can’t be too careful with your toes.

A great deal of thought goes into preparing for a good experience in the Camino de Santiago. It pays to carefully watch your plans and practices.

In the same way, the Scriptures remind us to give thought to our lives. If a week of hiking in Spain requires a great deal of attention, how much more time and energy should I give to my hike through life? How thankful shall I be for the broad paths that often line my way?

It’s wise to prepare well for a long, tough journey. It’s even wiser to seek the Lord as we walk the long, tough path through life.

Camino de Santiago 2024

Photo: Signpost along the Camino

You groped your way through that muck once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it (Ephesians 5:8-9 in The Message).

My wife and I arrived in Portugal, then spent a couple of days bumbling through jet lag and living as tourists. However, we left our room a few days ago on the Camino de Santiago as pilgrims—those in search.

Once you declare yourself a pilgrim you change your identity. You launch out toward more, an undiscovered land or a fresh identity. Some pilgrims travel the world ever searching, and we may meet a few on this journey. Most stay close to home yet search all the same, never fully comfortable, hearts restless for who knows what.

But as Jesus pilgrims, we step out into the open. We walk confidently into the light. Our adventure this week is not to discover faith, but to experience Christ in fresh ways. Over the years I’ve learned that tired feet lead to deeper souls. Or as a friend put it, as we walk we hear the feedback of our own footsteps.

Where will you walk this week? Take Paul’s advice and put your pilgrim’s feet into motion. As Paul says, figure out what will please Christ, and then do it. It’s the figuring out part that takes introspection, and the doing it that puts us on our feet.

Camino de Santiago 2024

People who walk the Camino de Santiago learn to recognize several symbols along the way. These include items familiar to anyone who follows Jesus, as well as a couple unique to this pilgrimage. While we may not all undertake the Camino, these symbols represent questions for all of us to consider while on our spiritual journeys.

An Open Backpack

A pilgrim shares with others and receives back. A rucksack symbolizes our openness to giving and receiving. Often accepting help is harder than helping someone else, but we all need good people to walk alongside us during our times of struggle. Look for opportunities to both freely share, and humbly receive, as you journey.

A Scallop Shell

This type of shell has long identified pilgrims. It was worn on the chest or hat, and also served as a spoon or a cup. How do we identify ourselves as followers of The Way, The Truth, and The Life today?

The Pilgrim’s Passport

A completed passport, issued only by the Catholic church, is necessary to receive your Compostela (completion certificate) in Santiago. You need at least 2 stamps per day to prove you walked at least 100 kilometers. Every kiosk or restaurant or hotel along the Camino stamps passports. It’s important to mark our road through life, and remember those who helped us along the way.

A Stone

Many pilgrims carry a small rock as a symbol of their sorrow, burden, pain or loss. After wrestling with these issues before the Lord, we lay the stone down somewhere along the path. What are you carrying that God might be inviting you to drop from your hand?

In Summary

Each one of these symbols developed into a marker pointing pilgrims to the Lord. These remind me of another symbol referred to by Jesus: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30).

Walking 70 miles in a week is challenging, but often spiritual, emotional and mental burdens create more daunting problems. Thankfully the yoke of Jesus, his symbol of care, applies to us all. Settle his harness upon your back, humbly walk before him, and find rest for you soul.

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Photo: A shell tattooed on a pilgrim’s arm to remember the Camino experience