A castle in my past! What an interesting discovery, especially for One of such a vivid imagination.
A few years ago, while researching my family heritage, I learned that on my father's side, we were Lords of the Manor at Perevil Castle in Derbyshire. This brings images and sights and sounds of that age to life. The Lord's role revolved around his Oath of Fealty to his immediate supervisor, often the King himself. An oath of fealty, from the Latin fidelitas (faithfulness), is a pledge of allegiance of one person to another. Typically the oath is made upon a religious object such as a Bible or saint's relic, thus binding the oath-taker before God, thus had to swear the oath. He was expected to fight and provide soldiers and arms from his manor. During his abscence, his role was filled by his wife, Lady of the manor. (That would be me!!:) This was a great responsibility, and lives depended upon a Lord's credibility, integrity and character. For sure, there were many Lords of that day that were corrupt, as we have in present times corrupt leaders. But those who were good, are well known and gladly remembered.
What became of the place my ancestors defended? Sadly, it does not reflect the image above. Records tell that the castle was neglected. There barely exists a remnant of what once was. A few stones hint at the original glory, vestiges only. The keep, or the stronghouse, once a place of watchful defense, still stands. But it stands without purpose- there is nothing to defend.
What would my ancestors say? They were once charged with the care and defense of this place. But those who came behind them did not practice diligence. The call was forsaken, the oath and stewardship abandoned and the destiny lost. Instead of being a home, a fortress, a source of shelter and protection , it is a tourist stop. There are no grand halls or banquet rooms to view. No arsenal, no gardens. Just the remnant.
Question is, couldn't it be rebuilt? Is this it's final destiny? Or has it's destiny been aborted. Is it outdated and dead?
Had I the resources, I might approach the owners and inquire of it. What an undertaking to rebuild this ancient ruin. What stories still lie dormant within her? Couldn't her tower be strengthened? Why not?! Others have rebuilt. My thoughts turn to a castle of another sort.
Here are the words of a wise man, many generations ago:
"Is it time for yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate? now, ...Consider your ways. You have sown much, but harvest little; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to pu into a purse with holes. You look for much, but behold, it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. Why? Because of My house which lied desolate while each of you runs to his own house."
These are the words of Haggai, chapter 1:4-9 (excerpts)
The house spoken of here also belonged to the King, and was entrusted to His servants. They were not diligent to see it restored. They had faced opposition and became indifferent.
The call still sounds.
The oath is extended to those who will hear. The King awaits our response. The house He speaks of is not made of stones. It is made of hearts, devoted, united, and willing to defend the name of the King, to be a place where He lives. Take a moment to ponder your own domain. What has He offered you? Have your accepted it? Have you tended to it and increased it, or is it neglected and found wanting? The great thing about this King is that He is eternal.
The King is in my future. King Jesus IS my future.
He is constant, and more steadfast than any castle keep or strong house. He is a high tower. He calls to each of us, and the awesome invitation to belong to Him is ours. THERE is the real magic, mystery, and glory. It is declared that the glory of His latter house will be greater than its former. For me, I will examine, inspect the walls, the boundaries and foundations of my heart's house. I will rebuild what has been breached. I will extend the hand of friendship and hope to any who want to rebuild. I love the King of Kings.
He was in my past, He is in my present, and He will be in my future.
A few years ago, while researching my family heritage, I learned that on my father's side, we were Lords of the Manor at Perevil Castle in Derbyshire. This brings images and sights and sounds of that age to life. The Lord's role revolved around his Oath of Fealty to his immediate supervisor, often the King himself. An oath of fealty, from the Latin fidelitas (faithfulness), is a pledge of allegiance of one person to another. Typically the oath is made upon a religious object such as a Bible or saint's relic, thus binding the oath-taker before God, thus had to swear the oath. He was expected to fight and provide soldiers and arms from his manor. During his abscence, his role was filled by his wife, Lady of the manor. (That would be me!!:) This was a great responsibility, and lives depended upon a Lord's credibility, integrity and character. For sure, there were many Lords of that day that were corrupt, as we have in present times corrupt leaders. But those who were good, are well known and gladly remembered.
What became of the place my ancestors defended? Sadly, it does not reflect the image above. Records tell that the castle was neglected. There barely exists a remnant of what once was. A few stones hint at the original glory, vestiges only. The keep, or the stronghouse, once a place of watchful defense, still stands. But it stands without purpose- there is nothing to defend.
What would my ancestors say? They were once charged with the care and defense of this place. But those who came behind them did not practice diligence. The call was forsaken, the oath and stewardship abandoned and the destiny lost. Instead of being a home, a fortress, a source of shelter and protection , it is a tourist stop. There are no grand halls or banquet rooms to view. No arsenal, no gardens. Just the remnant.
Question is, couldn't it be rebuilt? Is this it's final destiny? Or has it's destiny been aborted. Is it outdated and dead?
Had I the resources, I might approach the owners and inquire of it. What an undertaking to rebuild this ancient ruin. What stories still lie dormant within her? Couldn't her tower be strengthened? Why not?! Others have rebuilt. My thoughts turn to a castle of another sort.
Here are the words of a wise man, many generations ago:
"Is it time for yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate? now, ...Consider your ways. You have sown much, but harvest little; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to pu into a purse with holes. You look for much, but behold, it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. Why? Because of My house which lied desolate while each of you runs to his own house."
These are the words of Haggai, chapter 1:4-9 (excerpts)
The house spoken of here also belonged to the King, and was entrusted to His servants. They were not diligent to see it restored. They had faced opposition and became indifferent.
The call still sounds.
The oath is extended to those who will hear. The King awaits our response. The house He speaks of is not made of stones. It is made of hearts, devoted, united, and willing to defend the name of the King, to be a place where He lives. Take a moment to ponder your own domain. What has He offered you? Have your accepted it? Have you tended to it and increased it, or is it neglected and found wanting? The great thing about this King is that He is eternal.
The King is in my future. King Jesus IS my future.
He is constant, and more steadfast than any castle keep or strong house. He is a high tower. He calls to each of us, and the awesome invitation to belong to Him is ours. THERE is the real magic, mystery, and glory. It is declared that the glory of His latter house will be greater than its former. For me, I will examine, inspect the walls, the boundaries and foundations of my heart's house. I will rebuild what has been breached. I will extend the hand of friendship and hope to any who want to rebuild. I love the King of Kings.
He was in my past, He is in my present, and He will be in my future.
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1 comments:
I'm so glad you commented on my blog because it linked me to yours. I currently life in England. The quote of the wise man is so true. It seems people never had enough stuff. But what are we really saving and storing away for?
Thank you for getting me to think,
Cheers,
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