So many times it is so easy for us to get distracted from our purpose as servants in the Church. It's easy to begin to gossip or even begin to divide the congregation on issues that arise. A Tale of Three Kings covers many issues that most Christians will face at one time or another. This book provides insightful suggestions on how to deal with rebellion in the church as a pastor, how to deal with being mistreated by a pastor, how to properly leave a church if the time comes, and most importantly how to remain humble and broken in a position of authority.
Just an excellent book that all Christians should read, especially those in some kind of leadership role in their church.

So many times it is so easy for us to get distracted from our purpose as servants in the Church. It's easy to begin to gossip or even begin to divide the congregation on issues that arise. A Tale of Three Kings covers many issues that most Christians will face at one time or another. This book provides insightful suggestions on how to deal with rebellion in the church as a pastor, how to deal with being mistreated by a pastor, how to properly leave a church if the time comes, and most importantly how to remain humble and broken in a position of authority.
Just an excellent book that all Christians should read, especially those in some kind of leadership role in their church.

Gene Edwards' writing style is very captivating, and I was able to read this book in one setting. However, that's really the only positive thing I have to say about this book.

Although Edwards is a great writer, the theology of this book is quite unsound. It (inadvertently) presents the idea of a weak and incompetent God who has to depend upon abusive actions of people that are evil to teach or train his people. It completely ignores what the New Testament has to say about how the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures are our teachers... not evil individuals.

The central problem is that the all-too-frequently used "hyper-sovereignty" model of God is the foundation for this book. The idea is that God somehow controls everything that happens, and thus everything (even evil) is a part of a master blueprint that he has for mankind, and even for each believer's individual life. If that is the case, then even child molestation, rape, murder, etc. are all a part of God's plan. Take that to its logical conclusion, and that means the fall of man was also God's plan, which makes no sense. If God predestined that Adam sin and commit rebellion against Him, what right does He have to pronounce judgment upon Adam and his descendants?

For that matter, if God controls everything, that means He is controlling every word I am writing right now... So why would anyone dare refute it? LOL Do you see how illogical that is?

I was given this book and when I picked it up I couldn't put it down. I felt the presence of the Lord opening up my understanding! This book is simple, yet it tells you something! it explains a simple, yet wonderful new outlook that you will want to make your own, geared not just for those in authority over you, but for every area of your life.

Since reading this book in 1997, it has become the book I recommend most to people. A Tale of Three Kings brought a new perspective and even healing from being able to release my own bitterness and anger in how I had been treated in a particular situation.

By looking at the Biblical examples of Saul, David, and Absalom this book challenged me to think about who represented my life the best. As I read the book, I of course thought I was a David. Then as I read more and more of the book, I began to see that through my bitterness and anger, I was more of a Saul.

This book confronted me at a very real level in a way in which I saw my own sin. The lessons I learned through this book, have brought me to the point of forgiveness and acceptance of what happened. It brought me to my knees in repentance as well.

This is a must read for anyone who has ever been hurt by fellow believers, or will be hurt by fellow believers (which is pretty much all of us).

A quick easy read, but the impact is amazing and will stay with you. I highly recommend it as a must read.

This book is fabulous, and is one that my husband and I have passed on over and over again to those in leadership or who are part of a team. It is one of those invaluable books. However, I will not purchase them again through Amazon until Amazon stops selling the book on how to be a pimp. It is healthier for our economy anyway to purchase from small businesses. So 5 stars for the book, no stars for Amazon.

Very good insights about God's dealings with those in leadership or authority. Ultimately Jesus Christ is the Greatest example. He showed us all that to lead is to serve.

I just finished my second reading of this book. The first time I would have given in 5 stars, but this time I may be looking at it from a more skeptical eye. Edwards' well-written book tells the story of Saul, David, and Absalom and draws subtle illustrations on the subject of leadership and God's will in leadership. In effect uses David as the Model of leadership, and that he never attempted to overthrow Saul, nor stop Absalom. He just did nothing, and the will of God just happened.

But doesn't God use leaders to speak out against Sauls. Was Bonhoeffer wrong in his attempt to assassinate Hitler? Should America stayed out of the war and done nothing so that God's will could have its way.

I'm not saying Edwards is wrong, but these are the questions I'm left with. Perhaps I get exactly what he was saying. Perhaps he was just speaking about leadership within the church.

Whatever my misgivings, I'm still glad I took the time to read this interesting, well-written book

After living life for many years this book even makes more sense about the necessity of self being broken in order to be the obedient instrument God uses to accomplish His will. We pray "in Jesus name". If we believe this is proper, then the pecking order about all things belonging to the Father show we are only renters here which can easily be recognized from the attitudes of God's anointed that Edwards describes. A valuable plus by growing this insight can impact your own life with a deeper understanding of the acceptable approach to God. After reading this study it can make you more cognizant how to be a better follower of Christ, releasing us of perceived obligations that actually belongs to God alone. Our only job is to love God and do His will, anything else is vanity.

This book is an excellent book for any one that has ever been hurt through a church experience. If you have been involved in a church break up, youth pastor or asst pastor leaving, or have set under a "spear throwing " Pastor ( if you read the book you will understand). Get this book. If you work closely, to the Pastor get the book. if you will ever become a Pastor get the book. I read the entire book in one day. It is a real easy read.

This book is a revelation: very insightful and challenging, but incredibly easy to read. You'll be amazed at how easily Edwards can rock your world. I particularly recommend it to anyone who aspires to Christian leadership and, even more so, to anyone who has been burned by Christian leaders before. I first read this book coming out of a difficult situation on the mission field and this book really helped me to understand God's perspective on spiritual authority, service, humility and his own will. Actually, I wish every Christian would read it. It'll take you a few hours at most I'd guess.

I read this book when a friend gave it to me as a gift. The insight through the three kings' lives was very new for me. And every page takes you step by step to the healing process, helps you see the healing throughout the scars of Biblical characters... If you know someone hurt, offer this book to that person...

A Tale of Three Kings contains helpful information about how we can thrive in spite of being under the leadership of someone who abuses authority. Succinct and easy to read. Powerful.

A Tale of Three Kings contains helpful information about how we can thrive in spite of being under the leadership of someone who abuses authority. Succinct and easy to read. Powerful.

Have you been burned by other Christians?
God spoke to me through Edwards' book. After reading A Tale Of Three Kings, I was fully convinced that God was sovereign over our situation. I did not need to harbor bitter feelings toward my brother. God was in complete control regardless of the impure motives and ill intent of the church "leaders." Besides, it's not MY kingdom... it's HIS!

Have you been burned by other Christians?
God spoke to me through Edwards' book. After reading A Tale Of Three Kings, I was fully convinced that God was sovereign over our situation. I did not need to harbor bitter feelings toward my brother. God was in complete control regardless of the impure motives and ill intent of the church "leaders." Besides, it's not MY kingdom... it's HIS!

What an awesome book.
As you learn about the Kings you begin to look at your own heart and what is really in it--you look at your attitudes and motives and you decide which Kings charater and attributes you want for your life.
I feel it is also representative of the different levels of Christianity--Is your focus on the Kingdom and God and his will being done here on earth? Is it worldly and all about what I can for me? or Are we a usuper of someone else's place and position because we think we are intitled to it, for whatever reason?
It makes you look at yourself and your motives in your relationship with the Lord.

Would highly recommend this book for anyone who is considering "getting even". This book was instrumental in my life as a young pastor when an older pastor was being unfair in my opinion. After reading this book, I realized God's annointed work differently than what I think.

Would highly recommend this book for anyone who is considering "getting even". This book was instrumental in my life as a young pastor when an older pastor was being unfair in my opinion. After reading this book, I realized God's annointed work differently than what I think.

The sub title of the book is: A Study in Brokenness. I prefer to see it as a Biblical handbook on submission.

I have been in leadership positions for over 30 years and quite honestly it has not always been fulfilling or with proper attitude. This book has set that in order. I am much more at peace with myself.

This book showed that Saul, who was the rightful king, did not finish well and was not a happy man as a result of his ego.

David who was not perfect but chosen and heading to his proper level of leadership needed to submit to his errant leader: Saul. He was to serve to the best of his capabilities and not allow Saul's shortcomings become his. Coups are never allowed or needed if you are on the right track.

Absalom, the beloved son of David, who talks behind his father's back and undercuts him with simple words like "I would have done it differently". I have learned from this simple book that even if I would have "done it differently" never to say that to my leader's staff.

This book has not only brought me greater peace within myself but it actually has brought me to higher levels of leadership and trust within my organization.

Remember: At the end of the day David does becomes king anyhow.

The sub title of the book is: A Study in Brokenness. I prefer to see it as a Biblical handbook on submission.

I have been in leadership positions for over 30 years and quite honestly it has not always been fulfilling or with proper attitude. This book has set that in order. I am much more at peace with myself.

This book showed that Saul, who was the rightful king, did not finish well and was not a happy man as a result of his ego.

David who was not perfect but chosen and heading to his proper level of leadership needed to submit to his errant leader: Saul. He was to serve to the best of his capabilities and not allow Saul's shortcomings become his. Coups are never allowed or needed if you are on the right track.

Absalom, the beloved son of David, who talks behind his father's back and undercuts him with simple words like "I would have done it differently". I have learned from this simple book that even if I would have "done it differently" never to say that to my leader's staff.

This book has not only brought me greater peace within myself but it actually has brought me to higher levels of leadership and trust within my organization.

Remember: At the end of the day David does becomes king anyhow.

In a day when countless unfit, unbroken and impure vessels are building ministry-businesses (and teaching others how to do the same) the message in this book is a God-send.
Edwards' has taken the story of David and has made it come alive! The book is presented as a drama, focussing on the stories of King Saul's pursuit of David, and Absalom's attempted takeover of David's throne. Each character is studied, exposing the motives of their hearts. David is presented as the type of person that God really desires to have lead his people.

David never sought to be a leader. He was simply living each moment as a shepherd boy, doing his job and worshipping God in his spare time. Still, God had other plans. Yet after his being anointed, the journey to kingship was anything but easy. Nevertheless that was a part of the deep work that God was doing in David.

This tremendous study in brokenness shone a light in my heart. Since devouring its contents, I have been able to rest more in Christ. It is not necessary to be ambitious or desirous of a ministry position, nor is it profitable. Rather, at the place where we find ourselves we ought to simply submit to God's dealings in our life, be they oft unpleasant. For it is yielding to God's purifying work that will qualify us to be carriers of true spiritual authority. We would do well to receive this message with sobriety and urgency, as it will stimulate in us a desire to be the kind of leaders with a heart after God.

I have given this book to some Christian friends struggling with issues of submission and forgiveness. Some have thanked me, some have not understood or rejected its message. In my experience, those who cannot face the challenges God seems to be bringing them and refuse to see another way than the "easy life" that we Americans sometimes worship cannot read this book without anger. Those who prefer to go where God is taking them, rather than holding tightly to the reins of their lives, will be uplifted and transcended by the radical ideas Mr. Edwards always proposes. The same earth-shaking ideas Jesus illustrated many times, I believe. This is not a thorough dissecting of the life of King David, but an insight into things the depthless name-it-and-claim-it prosperity crowd will never understand.

A mystical quality lingers about this tale of the biblical kings Saul, David, and Absalom, and so it grows even on readers who have been well vaccinated against insipid allegorizing.

Anyone who has led and been hurt in the process-this may include anyone who has led-is a candidate for reading this brief, short-chaptered invitation to reflect upon power, who has it, what it does to those who hold it, and when to let go.

Edwards has worked in particular with members who have limped out of authoritarian Christian movements and appears to recognize the scars with clinical ease. Fortunately, he has in his sack a remedy or two, or perhaps an innoculation against similar misfortune in future. Oh, and salve for the enduring wound.

A very quick read, well worth the time invested.

An excellent read. A Tale of Three Kings helps to bring resolve and healing to issues of abusive authority in our lives. As Saul, David and Absalom's characters unfold the reader is brought into their humanity as well as their spiritual temperaments.

The author poses a question to his readers; Are you a spear thrower? And later develops this into; Are you a Saul or a David? The question becomes a reality and the reader confronts an issue of, am I willing to submit to God's true authority and live my life in humility.

As Christians we must examine our own heart issues and bring them to the cross of Jesus Christ. We must seek God's will in every situation and flee from division and rebellion at all costs. Which means we set our will to God's and can lose everything for His purposes in our lives. Whatever the cost asked of us, just so that is ultimately pleases Him.

Gene Edwards helps the reader to understand authority in a new light. Focusing on God's will for our lives and not mans.

Highly recommended for all Christian's who are questioning the authorities submitted to in their church settings.

Lora Rozkowski
1-7-06

This book is written as though it were a play, in an easy and understandable manor. I really enjoyed the format, it is very imaginative and I found myself not wanting to put it down. The storytelling ability of Gene Edwards is phenomenal.

Though this tale, he takes the reader through the choices of three kings-Saul, David and Absalom. The choices they made concerning authority and brokenness are lessons with great value. I recommend this book because there is deep truth in it, not to replace scripture, but to show scripture in action.
Enjoy.

This book is must reading for every church leader. It is a study of the use and misuse of authority. In it, Edwards examines the lives of King Saul who demanded allegiance and held onto power at all cost; the life of King David who would not pursue power or hold onto it by force even when faced with rebellion; and David?s son, Absalom, the man who would become king by leading a rebellion.

The book was written especially to address the problem of submission and authority in the modern church. An underlying theme of this magnificent tale is that one cannot know for certain who are anointed by God and who are not; whom God has blessed and whom He as not. True leaders often make mistakes and pretenders to the crown can often look Godly; therefore, we should be very careful about passing judgment on our leaders.

These three simple stories convey more meaning and impact than a scholarly tome on authority. Edwards follows the example set by Jesus by telling simple stories to convey deep theological truths. His insight that leadership, even Godly leadership, is inherently flawed because God works through flawed people is excellent. Also worthy of note is the insight not to rush to judgment when condemning authority. The message needs to be heard in our impatient culture. Edwards notes that men who thought they were doing the will of God murdered both Jesus and Stephen.

There are two significant weaknesses in this book.. First, the story is incomplete. It ends with David retreating from Jerusalem with Absalom holding power. Edwards fails to tell us that the story really ends with David doing battle with the rebels and Absaloms subsequent death. David did fight for his throne. Second, we live in an age where everyone believes they have the inherent right to question authority. Edwards does not address the need to teach on authority and submission as contrasted with demanding it. Boomers and Xers often have no idea of submission. Even many who were born before World War II do not understand the biblical concept of authority; like Korah who rebelled against Moses, they hold to a democratic model of authority. If we do not each our people the biblical concepts of authority and submission, how will they learn?

This book is a sobering reminder that all church polity is ultimately congregational. Leaders cannot demand the allegiance of their people. If my people choose not to follow my leadership by withdrawing their attendance, offerings and service, I will fail as a leader. I was especially helped by Edwards observation that all kings have their critics. Leaders are flawed vessels of God?s anointing. Rebels may promise the world, but they can only deliver it with the cooperation of the people. If the people grow tired, wither the rebels dream may fail, or a dictatorship must be established.

Again, this book is must reading for all church leaders. As a political science major, B.S. University of Oregon, 1973, I found this book intriguing.

This book is a very insightful dramatization of the contrast in character quality found in three Old Testament kings: Saul, David and Absalom. If you are familiar with the biblical story of these three kings (in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel) you'll be impressed with how true this character study rings and how applicable its lessons are for today. What makes a good king (or leader)? Is it possible to attain good leadership qualities by one's own effort? When and how is opposition to a bad leader justified? This little drama brings out some profound answers to these questions. Very thought provoking and heart wrenching.

While Edwards' book is great literature, I found it theologically, biblically, and pastorally empty for those traumatized by abusive churches and denominational leadership. Where is NT church discipline where we call both members and leaders into account in a gentle spirit that speaks the truth in love. I much prefer VanVonderen's When God's People Let You Down and books like Allender's Bold love that help us deal abusive people. I'm sorry that I bought the book and will not read anything more by this author although I had thought about it.

Quite possibly the best book ever written about kingdom authority and submission (with hints of obedience.) This novel looks at the lessons of authority and submission from the lives of three individuals...King Saul, King David, and wouldbe-king Absalom. If you ever get a book on the issues of authority and submission...this is the one to get.

Yes, only 90 some pages, and easily read within 2 hours. You will get to see what king Saul thought of David, and what David thought of Saul (part 1). Later, you will get to see the rise of Absalom, and the struggle of David on how to deal with the issue. Shall David be towards Absalom as he was in his youth in regard to Saul? Or shall he be towards Absalom as Saul was towards himself?

Buy it, read it, and for those of you in positions of leadership, try to get into the hands of other leaders at your church.