Someone lent me A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards this afternoon and I have literally read it in two hours. The intent of the author is to bring healing to those who have been hurt by men in authority. He pulls this off by teaching about humility, which is probably not the answer that most people expect. Mr. Edwards’ chosen medium is a fictional work surrounding the lives of King Saul, King David, and David’s son, Absalom. The book exaggerates the characters of those three men which makes a little room to disagree with what is said. After reading the entire book, there are are only two small issues that I have with what is written. And they are minor. Those two are only problems because he states rules as absolutes even though they have been broken in the past. For there to only be two minor issues with this impresses me considerably, especially with the topic that he is addressing. The author does understand leadership well:

"Rules were invented by elders, so they could get to bed early! Men who harp on authority only prove they have none. And kings who make speeches about submission only betray twin fears in their hearts: They are not certain they are really true leaders, sent of God. _And_ they live in mortal fear of a rebellion."

Or this, concerning Absolom:

"He is both sincere and ambitious. A contradiction, perhaps, but true, nonetheless. He probably means some of what he says. But his ambition will continue long after he discovers his inability to do the things he promises. Righting the wrongs always becomes secondary to ascent to power."

It is funny how quickly the portrayal of Absalom can conjure up images of people in politics today. Mr. Edwards does warn against setting yourselves against such people based on your own limited knowledge. Again, I’m very impressed. I’ll be recommending A Tale of Three Kings to others who want (or need) to understand authority better.