The Adventure of the Grey Questioner
Weekly Reading: Sir Knight of the Splendid Way Chapter Eight
No more does Sir Constant seem to have the grand and dramatic battles that he encountered when he was young. The obstacles along the way however, are no less perilous. Nay, as Sir Constant continues his travels on the weary way, his trials become more subtle, unnoticeable, and almost imperceptible in their deceitfulness, and even more consequential in their danger.
Lonely and needing a friend, Sir Constant is greeted by a grey-clad man, known as the Grey Questioner. His words are full of kindness and pity. They touch the heart of our lonely knight.
During this time of weary travel, questions arise in Sir Constant’s heart. They are honest questions, but questions that arise from a weakened faith. It is at this juncture that Sir Knight will meet one of his greatest opponents. But not an opponent of might and sword but an opponent of distraction and doubt.
His words are masked in a veil of kindness and pity, but his attitude on life is manifested in his colorless apparel—no beauty is seen in his life, no joy, no hope. Only questions and confusion. His questions serve to solidify the small doubts that have already crept into Sir Constant’s tired mind. What if those long distant hills were only the passing fancy of a young and passionate heart?
“Could it be that the Vision was but a vision, and the glory of the Face but a reflection of the ardent hopes of youth?”
The Grey Questioner deceives under the guise of a “seeker of truth.” His subtle nudges to be “open-minded” may seem beneficial, but only leave Sir Constant with uncertainties; uncertainties that lead to backsliding and betrayal.
The Questioner’s words disorient; his promise of peace, is unobtainable; but the way of the King, who is not the author of confusion, but of peace, is marked clearly for all to follow (see 1 Cor. 14:33). Beloved knight of the King, remember, “do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
The only way to escape such Grey Questioners is to keep our armor on at all times, and to look to Jesus who dispels the darkness in the mists of doubt. Flee also youthful lusts oh knight, but follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes (2 Tim. 2:22, 23). “Let no man deceive you with vain words” (Eph. 5:6).
Like Sir Constant, when we lift our eyes, if even for a moment, the storm will begin to still and the great name of the King becomes our guiding light; then all the doubts, weariness, and lies of the enemy will begin to fade away like the morning mist on a sunny day.
Many are the deceivers in this world, and varied are their disguises; but our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth (see Psalm 121). Many are the afflictions of the righteous, and many are the dangers and snares that lay along their path, but the Lord delivers him out of them all (see Psalm 34:19)!
Know that if you stumble, as Sir Constant does, the King’s love overcomes all, and no one shall be able to snatch you out of His hand (see John 10:28).
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad that the waters were quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of men!
~Psalm 107:28-31
Memory Verse: Psalm 34:19
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”
Sir Knight of the Splendid Way
Deep into the Vale of Promise ventures Sir Constant, a young knight who desires nothing more than to be in the service of the Great King. Though unworthy of this high calling, he sets forth on the Splendid Way—the perilous road that all who desire to serve the King must take. His faith and valor will be tested, his strength and endurance will be challenged, and his allegiance to the one true King will be proven. A rich allegory wrought with biblical truth.
