The Wandering Pilgrims

You are approached by a stranger. He addresses you

Hello Traveller,

You look like you’ve come from far far away?

As a fellow Wanderer, I can tell, as I myself have nowhere to stay.

Are those tears on your cheeks, or are my eyes deceived?

I don’t mean to pry, I’m just wondering if you’d like something to eat.

A wise man once told me of a man who was in a huff,

Said the solution to help him was as simple as giving the man a Chicken Puff.

So please accept some bread and a swig from my bottle,

I can promise you its contents are unlike anything else you’ve gotten.

(You eat the bread and take a swig of water from his bottle. It’s contents taste better than anything you’ve ever had before)

Have you had your fill, or would you like some more?

The bread and water will be replenished before you can say ‘Tally-ho’.

Don’t look astonished, this isn’t some parlour trick or jest,

It was given to me by a Man who wanted you to have the best.

Wait, please don’t cut me off!

I’ve travelled too far just to meet you, so hear me out.

I’ve got a story, a mission, and a curse,

By the end of this, you’d have all three, for better or worse.

The Story Begins

My story begins at the end of my life,

As I stood on a bridge, about to jump and end my strife.

Just before I gathered the courage to leap,

A Man came from the darkness and started to weep.

Confused by the situation, I sat on the ledge,

My heart bled for this Stranger who seemed at His edge.

As I approached, I asked Him why did He weep,

He answered that He was looking for one little, lost sheep.

He said that His little one had been struggling for too long,

He came to search for it and bring it back Home.

Moved by His love, I asked if I could help Him find this missing sheep,

I asked Him how He could find it on such a dark, dingy street.

Looking up at me, He said that His sheep would know His voice,

But this one needed help quickly before it made a permanent choice.

When I looked confused, He started to tear up again,

Until it finally dawned on me at how foolish I’d been.

As if He could hear my thoughts, He slowly approached,

Taking my hand, He led me away from the ledge where I was perched.

As He looked into my eyes, I recognised His face.

I cannot tell you how my heart burned at this realisation I faced.

I had lived a hard life; all I had ever known was pain,

But as I looked into the eyes of this Man I could swear that He was familiar with the same.

Feeling the weight of my heart falling apart inside,

I looked down at His hand that was holding my side.

Two holes in His wrist were all I could see,

How He wasn’t in crippling pain was a mystery to me.

When I asked them about how these came to be,

He said that it was the price He paid to see me go free.

He said that my life was bought at a heavy cost,

Giving it up, however, would render all His efforts lost.

As much as I was overwhelmed by everything that He said,

I felt like running to Him and throwing myself at His chest.

We sat to dine together, and shared a wonderful meal,

It was the first one I had with someone who truly loved me.

When I ate my fill, the Man got up to go,

So I threw myself at His feet and begged Him to stay with me for a little while more.

And so He did; sharing some amazing stories of His Mission,

Of Sick men and a Healer, fishermen and soldiers, crosses and a great Commission.

Captivated by this, I offered my services for free,

For I wanted to serve this Shepherd who died on a tree.

When I asked Him where He was staying, He claimed He had no place to lay His head.

Said if I followed Him, I’d be cursed to the same fate until I’m dead.

But if I followed Him, He said I’d never be alone,

For He’d send me someone who’d walk with me, even when I’m old.

He also said that His yoke is light and that He was like no King on earth,

And that His kingdom belonged to lost Pilgrims, who served His Father with mirth.

Looking at Him, with hunger in my eyes,

I said I would follow Him, for the rest of my life.

Smiling at me, He lay His hand on my head,

And in a flash, He was gone and the Comforter was there.

From then on forth, I was charged with travelling to Pilgrims like you,

I could use a partner like you, this much is true.

But don’t be fooled, the road ahead is hard,

For the curse is our wandering burden, but He stands guard.

So will you join me, my friend, on the narrow road ahead?

There are many like us to invite to the Banquet with the King at the end.

And if you don’t believe anything that I’ve said,

Then at least believe that this King knows every hair on your head.

In the morning I shall be gone, my feet swift to obey,

But to leave with you will be a reason to celebrate, for this goal I pray.

So sleep in peace, knowing that you are dearly loved,

A boy about to leap from a bridge can testify to that much.

You too will see what I felt that day,

When you look into this Stranger’s eyes, you’ll never be the same.