“I Make You Captain of My Guard!”

It is said of Napoleon that while he was reviewing his army one day, his horse became frightened at something, and the Emperor lost his rein. The horse lost restraint and went away at full speed, putting the Emperor’s life in great danger.

As hard as he tried he just could not get hold of the rein. Suddenly a private from the ranks saw it, and sprang out of the ranks towards the horse, and was successful in getting hold of the horse’s head at the peril of his own life. The Emperor was very much pleased. Touching his hat, he said to him, “I make you Captain of my Guard.”

The soldier never even returned to his line, but walked right up to the front of the formation. Stepping out where no common foot soldiers go, he went up to where the chief body-guard stood. The captain of the body-guard ordered him back into the ranks, but he said “No! I won’t go!” “Why not?” “Because I am Captain of the Guard.” “You Captain of the Guard?” “Yes;” replied the soldier. “Who said it?” At that, the former private pointing to the Emperor; said, “He said it.” That was enough.

Nothing more could be said. He took the Emperor at his word. My friends, if God says anything, let us take Him at His word. “He that believeth on the Lord Jesus Christ shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” Don’t you believe it? Don’t you believe you have got everlasting life? It can be the privilege of every child of God to believe and then know that you have got it.