COME TO THE CASTLE
Prague was our next stop on a whistle-stop journey across Europe, and it quickly became one of my favourite cities—alongside Edinburgh, Nanjing, and the wonderfully chaotic Chongqing.
This ancient city is dominated by its magnificent castle, set high above the rooftops. To reach it, you climb what feels like endless steps. With every step, you seem to travel backwards in time by several centuries. The climb up is demanding; the descent, somehow, even more so. For an old timer like me, a few pauses to catch my breath were unavoidable.
I have been fascinated by castles since childhood. Near my school in Lancaster stood the imposing Lancaster Castle, and my love for history began there. In fact, I was the top history student at Skerton—something I occasionally feel obliged to remind people of!
But nothing quite prepares you for the scale of the castle in Prague. Once inside, you realise how vast it is. It is practically a city within a city, with walls so high and strong that it could withstand a siege for months, even years. It was built to be a place of refuge.
We also walked across the 14th-century Charles Bridge and attended a service at an English-speaking international church.
That Sunday, as we wandered through the streets, England were playing in the European football championship. Keith was desperate to know the score, but with no cellphone signal, he searched from place to place. Eventually, he found an Irish pub showing the match. England were losing 1–0 deep into stoppage time. Then came a throw-in, a flicked header, and an extraordinary overhead kick into the net. The room erupted—especially Keith. England went on to win 2–1. Helen and Sherry practically dragged him out before he turned into a football hooligan.
Everyone was celebrating—except the Scottish gentleman standing in front of him, who sat with his head in his hands. The poor man.

Devotional Thought
While standing within those ancient walls, I was reminded of the great hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther, often called the battle hymn of the Reformation.
The imagery is powerful: God as a fortress, a refuge, a place of safety in the midst of conflict and danger.
This brings to mind the words of Scripture:

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” — Psalm 18:2
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

Just as the castle of Prague was a place of protection for all who fled to it, so God is a refuge for all who turn to Him.
We live in a world where many place their trust in false securities—possessions, status, or beliefs that cannot save. But true safety is found only in the living God.
It is like the ark in Noah’s day. Noah was called a preacher of righteousness, yet people ignored his warnings. When the flood came, the only place of safety was inside the ark.
One day, there will be a final refuge for all who have placed their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. That refuge is heaven—a place beyond our imagination, prepared for those who belong to Him.
When enemies approached Prague, the cry would go out: “Come to the castle!”
Today, the call is far greater and far more urgent:
Come to Christ—while there is still time.