Читать книгу Sun Rays - Joshua Livingston - Страница 7

The King’s Three Sons

As usual, the three sons of the king were hard at work in the fields. The sun was at its highest point when their father drew near to them.

The king was never seen in the fields, so when he appeared the three boys knew something was amiss.

He proclaimed, “My sons, in a short while I will have to go away. Where I am going you cannot come. I am looking for the son who is willing to lead my people, for my kingdom is in utter ruins. But I will not leave you alone. I will send you the Helper, without whom you can do nothing. But I leave you my solemn word: in the end, all shall be restored! There will be many trials and tests, much pain and suffering, but if you remain faithful, you shall overcome. What say you? Who among you has the courage to fight for the restoration of my kingdom?

The eldest son spoke up immediately. “Father,” he said, “it is quite funny you should say this, for I have seen how the kingdom has taken a bad turn, and for the last five years I have been quietly making a plan to fix all of it.” So, the eldest son relayed his entire plan, but just as he was giving his last words, his heart stopped beating and he dropped to the ground.

The middle son then spoke up. “Father,” he said, “it would appear that my older brother will not be able to carry out his plan. He had many great thoughts, but I know how I can expand upon them, and then the kingdom can be restored even faster!” He proceeded to tell of his better plan, and indeed, it was much better. However, just as he was giving his last words, his mind ceased to function properly and he fell down on all fours like a dog. A rabbit darted by and off he went across the field to chase it. He was never seen again.

The king looked down to his youngest son. The boy’s eyes were turned downward and he had no ideas or words to give.

“Speak, my boy.” It was as if the king was placing special words into his son’s heart.

The young boy, barely old enough to ride a donkey, finally whispered, “Father, I have no thoughts and nothing wise to say. I have no powers or ideas or abilities. In fact, I have nothing at all to give.”

The king began to turn around and walk away.

“But,” the youngest boy spoke up, “I want the Helper to come to me and show me the Way.”

And with that, the king departed gracefully to the heavens and the young boy ruled the kingdom faithfully until its final restoration at the end of time.