The Rangers Apprentice quickly became one of our favorite book series. We have spent hours and hours reading, listening, discussing and reminiscing over the escapades and adventures that Holt, Will and Horace have undergone. I could go on about the books and why we love them but suffice it to say we do.
This weekend when the boys came home from university we gifted them with their own silver oak leaf – the sign of ranger.
Here is what the guys found on their beds:
Rangers take their training very seriously…
Will was chosen as a boy to become an apprentice Ranger. Under Halt’s instruction, he spent countless hours in training – working when he was tired, his muscles were sore and he wanted to quit. Once Will caught the vision of the Ranger corps- he gave his all to his training, absorbing everything he could from Halt, Gilan and other people he came into contact with.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31)
Rangers know that they always need to practice and hone their skills…
Even Halt, a master archer, spends time in training. He works with his bow, with his horse with his knife almost every day. He spends time each year in an intensive training session.
Give us this day, our daily bread… go daily before the Lord to practice and hone your skills as His Ranger.
Rangers do not flinch from a confrontation…
The Ranger corps has trained their Rangers so well that, even in the face of what appears to be insurmountable odds, a Ranger can stand firm and get the job done. We see Rangers demonstrating their resolve in each book. We see them constantly going into situations aware of the dangers- heads high and eyes open. They do not walk like lambs to the slaughter unaware- they think out a plan of action, making necessary adjustments to the plans and taking calculated risks.
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalms 31:24)
Rangers keep their cool in the face of danger…
At different times, Will observes the tell-tail signs that Halt is furious, but Halt keeps a tight check on his anger and keeps his cool. A Ranger should be wise to not let his tongue loose and lead him to say a thing he will regret.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Prov 15:1)
Rangers are wise stewards of their finances…
Halt knows that saving money is wise…so he cuts his own hair with his hunting knife. Ü
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. (Prov 21:20)
Rangers go about their work in a diligent manner and will persevere…
If a task is given to a Ranger- obstacles are slowly chipped away until the Ranger completes the task. The king knows that to send a Ranger is to rest assured that the task will be completed with a positive outcome and that the Ranger will give his best and his all.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor 15:58)
Rangers are fine working behind the scenes and are not glory hounds, they are humble…
Seeking an answer to his hunch, Will has to ask others if Halt was in fact the Ranger that led the victorious attack on Morgarath. Halt is content to have the Ranger corps as whole receive the praise.
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Mat 23:12)
Rangers follow a code of conduct…
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. (Mat 9:10)
Rangers seek understanding and knowledge…
Although at times it drives Halt crazy, he is thankful for Will’s constant questions. A wise Ranger is always seeking answers so they can better understand what is happening. In knowing the answers they then make better decisions based on knowledge. Understanding a situation fully can save time, heartache and misery for all concerned.
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, (Prov 3:13)
Rangers are content in their circumstances…
When we first meet Will, he wants nothing more than to become a knight and ride on a huge battle horse to glory and fame. Once he learns about the Rangers, their mission and comes to feel he belongs to the corps – he is content on his shaggy little pony, sleeping in the woods, and wearing the drab green cloak.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Phil 4:11)
Rangers are able to forgive…
Will was able to forgive Horace for the years of torment he underwent. When the boys set their grievances aside, it was a sign that they were growing up. In doing so they made their masters and the baron proud as they forgot old wounds and forged ahead in a strong friendship.
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Mat 6:14-15)
Rangers show discretion in their daily lives…
A Ranger never walks into a town boasting that they are the best- they are discreet with the extent of their skills. Halt never boasts that he is a member of the royal family of Clonmel. It would not be fitting for a Ranger to brag, being discreet is an integral part of their jobs. Often, Rangers are thought to appear out of thin air due to their stealthy arrivals. Rangers are unobtrusive while maintaining self-confidence. Their discretion allows them be unobtrusively aware of situations as needed.
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with discretion. (Psa 112:5)
Rangers are patient…
The most obvious example is spending hours moving with stealth through a forest to pass unseen… Rangers are masters of patience! Other times, we see the patience of a Ranger as he waits for his prey, for the right circumstances, for the tides to change and for the snows to melt. Rangers are wise enough to know that their self-control is critical to reaching the goals to which they commit themselves.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Rom 12:12)
Rangers are not afraid to show gentleness…
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isa 40:11)
Rangers are honest and value integrity…
"Later, when Master Chubb questioned you, I saw you hesitate. You were going to deny having stolen the cakes. Then I saw you admit it. Remember? He hit you on the head with his wooden spoon."
"I wondered if I should have lied," he admitted. Halt shook his head very slowly.
"Oh no, Will. If you'd lied, you never would have become my apprentice."
"I wondered if I should have lied," he admitted. Halt shook his head very slowly.
"Oh no, Will. If you'd lied, you never would have become my apprentice."
The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. (Pro 12:22)
Rangers know the value of friendships…
We see the bonds forming between different characters in each book. Sometimes new friendships are formed while others are forged in the fires of trials and experiences. It is a blessing and a joy to watch as characters are moved deeply by feelings for each other. What a lonely, dreary existence each would have if they were forging their paths alone. Friends that encourage, uplift, help, sacrifice and console each other are as necessary as the friends that you can trick, play games on or laugh along with – or at.
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
(Prov 12:26)
Rangers exemplify obedience and submission…
Gilan stayed behind in Araluen, even though he wanted to accompany Halt with all his heart. It is important to discern the difference between the things that “feel” good or right and those thing that are necessary and commanded. Be diligent in your choices- always asking “Is what I am doing because it feels good to me – or is what I am doing because it is the right thing to do and I know that I am commanded to do so.” It is hard to leave your feelings behind and follow orders but, like a Ranger, it is what you are called to.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46)
I want my sons to be like Rangers—someone people can depend on, to take a stand for what is right, to work hard until each task is completed, to speak the truth and to do it all without any fanfare. I want my sons to be men that are counted as valuable, fair, honest and just. I want them to know that they each bring different traits to the term “Man”- while sharing the same high standards - they bring distinct personalities and traits to their roles as brothers, sons, friends, Christians and one day husband, father and grandfather. I want them to know that each trait they bring is God chosen for them alone to aid them in their walk of faith. Will has his agility, intelligence and wit, Halt has his compassion and dry sense of humor, Gilan is a master of unseen movement and swordsman- they each have their special skills. They are each unique and priceless gifts from God above. Just as you two are!
I love you and couldn’t be more proud of each of you … my Ranger sons!!
