While there are many promises and encouragements for people to commence a Pilgrimage with Jesus there can sometimes be an unbalanced offer given to seekers. The promise that because of Jesus words giving life, light, rest, forgiveness, new start etc etc everything will be well and all problems are over.

My wife Eileen and I were discussing this recently with more than a little concern (anger??) at this misrepresentation of the Gospel.  These promises are all true and wonderful but need to be balanced with the reality that walking with Jesus will also attract difficulties and challenges.  Jesus Himself addressed this false expectation many times, pointing out to prospective followers that walking with Him will bring such things. For example, "foxes have their dens to go to but I haven't a home..." "when joining Me in plowing a path for your life, don't look back with longing because it gets hard.." Count the cost was His frequent word. 

Why would such a reality come when following Jesus is walking in truth and grace?  Because such a way is out of step with the fallen cultures we live in and more importantly, with the selfish inclination of our hearts. On all fronts it involves swimming against the tide.  As C S Lewis once said, "If you want an easy religion don't chose Christianity..."  It is a daily choosing to walk the path with Jesus when (to change the metaphore) it is at times a narrow winding uphill trek. Especially when not far from our climb is a broad gently down-hill sloping path that many people are strolling down. As Jesus observed, the nature of the path does not determine it's end place. Matthew 7:13,14

So why embark on such a pilgrimage? Because to live life in companionship with Jesus is incomparible and the greatest treasure. Like the two on the road to Emmaus discovered.  When Jesus walked and talked with them they said later, "didn't our hearts burn within us when He spoke to us..."  Such a pilgrimage with Him attracts His blessing, but also attracts the opposition that came to Him.  So in inviting people to follow Him Jesus included the reality that there will be challenges if the answer is yes. Our present call to follow Jesus needs to include that reality too.

Will it put some people off? Yes. But it will also mean others starting the pilgrimage on the right foot: that they want Jesus more than anything else.                     

And that is daily pilgrimage from start to finish in a nut shell!!