19th June 2018

Wow! That Horatio Hornblower is one brave and dashing hero. I’ve just finished the first of eleven books that my son is reading about this naval chap who sails from one adventure to the next. Is there anything that Horatio cannot do? Steer fire-ships away from an anchored fleet? Easy! Capture a Spanish galley with pistol and cutlass? With one hand! Rescue men from a dangerous cove in high seas? Aye, aye, Sir! What a man. (And I for one am glad my boy is reading about such gallantry.)

The Bible commends brave young men who know what they’re on about and who stand with godly courage and determination. The Apostle John says in one of his letters: “I write to you young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” Praise God for gallant young blokes.

For certainly there are fire-ships that are sent against the church, lit by the evil one, and launched with malice. And how we need some brave young men to tackle them head-on and steer them away to unpopulated shores. And certainly there are men and women, who have dashed their souls on the jagged ‘isms of this world. And how we need some brave young men to take to them the life-boat of grace. Therefore ‘Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things; Give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of kings.”

DM 19^th June 2018