What does this world need: gifted men and women, outwardly empowered? Or individuals who are broken, inwardly transformed?
This is the question Gene Edwards asks in his excellent classic, A Tale of Three Kings.* This is one of the most riveting and insightful books I’ve read in quite some time. It’s a dramatic study of the leadership style of King Saul, King David, and David’s son Absalom. Two were outwardly gifted and empowered- charismatic and attractive to men and women and exalted to power. One was a broken shepherd, nothing necessarily striking in his features, who is transformed inwardly through the years by God. Two were iron armor with emptiness inside. One was a broken clay vessel, with God’s power and God’s life in his soul. Two appeared blessed by God. One was considered smitten and afflicted by him. Two yearned to champion themselves in victorious struggle. One yearned to submit himself through meek struggle.
And only one was truly powerful. Only one was truly a great leader. Only one was a servant. Only one was in love with God.
I couldn’t more highly recommend a book to anyone. I’m thrilled to have discovered this treasure of a book… and am eager now to dive into Gene Edwards’ other writings.
* Edwards, Gene. A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 1992), 98 pages.