Season 5 Podcast 139 John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Episode 42 Chapter 8 A “The Delectable Mountains.”

A New Voice of Freedom

Season 5 Podcast 139 John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Episode 42 Chapter 8 A “The Delectable Mountains.”

In last week’s episode we discussed ‘The Escape from the Giant Despair who lived in Doubting Castle. This week we shall travel to The Delectable Mountains.

“They went then till they came to the Delectable Mountains, which mountains belong to the Lord of that hill of which we have spoken before. So they went up to the mountains to behold the gardens and orchards, the vineyards and fountains of water, where also they drank and washed themselves, and did freely eat of the vineyards. Now there were on the tops of these mountains shepherds feeding their flocks, and they stood by the highway-side. The pilgrims, therefore, went to them, and leaning upon their staves (as is common with weary pilgrims when they stand to talk with any by the way), they asked, "Whose delightful mountains are these, and whose be the sheep that feed upon them?"

The four shepherds are honest. Their role is to introduce pilgrims to the Delectable Mountains and to warn them of the pitfalls.

“These mountains are Immanuel's Land, and they are within sight of His city; and the sheep also are His, and He laid down His life for them.”

Immanuel means “God is with us.” We find the name in Isaiah.

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

When the angel appeared to Joseph, he speaks of the prophesy of Isaiah.

Matthew 1:18-25

“18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

Trusting the shepherds, Christian inquires further. They receive a strange answer.

“CHRIS. Is this the way to the Celestial City?

SHEP. You are just in your way.

CHRIS. How far is it thither?

SHEP. Too far for any but those who shall get thither indeed."

One would naturally assume that as close as they are to the Celestial City, the way would be safe and easy. It proves just the opposite.

CHRIS. Is the way safe or dangerous?

SHEP. Safe for those for whom it is to be safe; but sinners shall fall therein."

We must keep in mind that from the beginning, the way to the Celestial City is fraught with high obstacles and great danger, giving meaning to Peter’s warning.

1 Peter 5:8-11

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”