Saul spears DavidI can’t remember who recommended it to me, but Gene Edwards’ A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness is a book I needed 10 years ago. Published in 1992, this little tale is short on words but deep on transformation.

Edwards does a masterful job at framing the biblical stories of David, Saul and Absalom into one narrative that pierces right to the heart of those who have been broken in and by leadership. Especially “Christian” leaders.

My highlights…

“What do you do when someone throws a spear at you?”

“God did not have–but wanted very much to have–men and women who would live in pain. God wanted a broken vessel.”

“You cannot tell who is the Lord’s anointed and who is not.”

“There is a vast difference between the outward clothing of the Spirit’s power and the inward filling of the Spirit’s life. In the first, despite the power, the hidden man of the heart may remain unchanged. In the latter, that monster is dealt with.”

“Legalism is nothing but a leader’s way of avoiding suffering.”

“Beginning empty-handed and alone frightens the best of men. It also speaks volumes of just how sure they are that God is with them.”

“The Sauls of this world can never see a David; they see only Absalom. The Absaloms of this world can never see a David; they see only Saul.”

Comments

2 Responses to “A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards”

  1. Jeff Hamilton on December 8th, 2009 8:51 am

    Funny…I just picked this up (after countless recommendations) and am planning on reading it over the holidays.

  2. Gavin Baker on December 12th, 2009 8:06 pm

    One of my favorite books. I found his description of David’s internal struggle of being God’s anointed, yet chased by Saul important to getting a better grasp on his Psalms.

    I also like the imagery of throwing spears and how David chose to not do so.

    Thanks for the reminder about it.

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