Delectable Mountains
Reaching the Delectable Mountains and communing with Shepherds
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 High - way 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 Delectable Mountains are these? And whose be the sheep that feed upon them?
Mountains Delectable they now ascend,
Where Shepherds be, which to them do commend
Alluring things, and things that Cautious are,
Pilgrims are steady kept by Faith and Fear.
Shepherd: 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.
Christian: Is this the way to the Celestial City?
Shepherd: You are just in your way.
Christian: How far is it thither?
Shepherd: Too far for any but those that shall get thither indeed.
Christian: Is the way safe or dangerous?
Shepherd: Safe for those for whom it is to be safe, but transgressors shall fall therein.
Christian: Is there in this place any relief for Pilgrims that are weary and faint in the way?
Shepherd: The Lord of these Mountains hath given us a charge not to be forgotten to entertain strangers; therefore the good of the place is before you.
I saw also in my Dream, that when the Shepherds perceived that they were way-faring men, they also put questions to them (to which they made answer as in other places) as, Whence came you? and, How got you into the way? and, By what means have you so persevered therein? For but few of them that begin to come hither do shew their face on these Mountains. But when the Shepherds heard their answers, being pleased therewith, they looked very lovingly upon them, and said, Welcome to the Delectable Mountains.
The Shepherds, I say, whose names were Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere, took them by the hand, and had them to their Tents, and made them partake of that which was ready at present. They said moreover, We would that ye should stay here a while, to be acquainted with us; and yet more to solace yourselves with the good of these Delectable Mountains. They then told them, that they were content to stay; and so they went to their rest that night, because it was very late.
Interpretation:
Delectable Mountains are the spiritual places where we can take rest from labour, have fellowship with Shepherds, God's ministers and learn more about God and His Kingdom. At times, in our churches, we attend retreats with our family members and other congregation members where we spend the whole time in meditating on the Word of God. Apart from church retreats, there are indeed seminars which are open to the members of the Body of Christ. In these retreats or seminars, testimonies are shared and messages given by experienced mission leaders. They impart knowledge. They teach us to be watchful and sincere in our lives. It is a tent different from the beautiful Stately Palace. We should attend those retreats or seminars where the shepherds as described by John Bunyan are there to nourish our spiritual life. We can stay there for a while. It is not a permanent place but a tent to be detached. It is meant for strangers who are on pilgrimage. The churches should open their doors for those who are not their members but are on pilgrimage. They should not charge any fees for such seminars or retreats. Of course, they can accept donations from their church members but not from strangers. In Delectable Mountains, false teachers or false prophets are not allowed by the shepherds in charge of these tents.
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