Sir Dalton and the Shadow HeartChuck Black
Multnomah Books (May 5, 2009)
In short: A simple story serving as a reminder that without diligent biblical teaching our kids have no foundation to stand against the shadows of doubt.
Sir Dalton, a knight in training, is surprised and disappointed as he begins to experience seeds of doubt in himself, and others, regarding the truth, and importance, of their allegiance and service to the King.
Their new trainer doesn’t help much as he downplays the significance, and re-orders the priority, of certain aspects of their training.
“He would lecture briefly on knighthood and then engage the trainees in dialogue on a variety of topics. Often the discourse would center upon an ethically challenging situation, with each trainee invited to voice an opinion…Afterward, he would lead the trainees in a few skill exercises…and the sessions always ended with food, drink, and song. But of the sword there was little training.”
How descriptive is that of the modern church today? How many are comfortable listening to those who give them what they want to hear. We don’t need more training in finances or dating, or whatever the topic of the month is – we need the Sword, the Word!
“This is why you are here – to learn the art of the sword and to become trained Knights of the Prince…But you must first understand the kingdom and its people to be effective as a knight. There are many peoples, many cultures, many viewpoints, and we must adapt if we are to reach them and bring them freedom…We must be creative in how we present the Prince and adjust our methods to accommodate…And as for the Code, it is clearly a guide, not a mandate…it is an antiquated document by now.”
The allegorical symbolism is unmistakable as it puts flesh on many aspects of our Christian walk. Seeing things in a different setting often helps to solidify concepts, or beliefs, we often take for granted.
As Dalton trains he is presented with questions, and situations, that he doesn’t have an answer for. His preparation, and thus his faith, are lacking so he begins to doubt and drift.
“If the King and this Prince truly exist, why do they leave the kingdom in such a mess?...If the King is so powerful, so wealthy, so good, then why has He let it go on for this long?”
“What do you see?... An accident or a plan?...If you don’t believe in the beginning, you can’t believe in the Prince…”
He soon comes perilously close to death and is captured by the enemy and held in a prison without doors.
“It is our fear of Drox that imprisons us, not the iron bar….invisible chains of bondage.”
Although obviously not high literature this simple story was a reminder to me that without diligent biblical teaching and true relationship with Jesus there is no foundation to stand against the shadows of doubt for our kids. We strengthen our faith through scripture, and without it, doubt can become a stronghold of the heart.
“It is the Code, Dalton…To live for any other reason is vanity.”
Rating: Paperback
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