THE SLEEPY EYED KING

by CHARLES ROBEY
(MOODY AL USA)

PROLOGUE

Why has the word diplomacy been so controversial down through the ages? After all, our world is simply made up of men and women, humans such as you and I. We are all made in the image and likeness of our Creator, right? (Genesis 1: 26-27)

The answer is, human nature. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, the first humans to walk planet Earth, were created in a state of innocence. But they were also created as free moral agents. In other words, our Creator did not make robots.

Our first parents were not created with an evil nature. God gave them minds capable of becoming good or evil; minds that could think, analyze, reason and choose. But they chose to reject the instruction from God as well as the opportunity to partake of the divine nature of God. Instead they opted to yield to the deception and lies of Satan.

You probably know the biblical account. (Genesis 3:1-7) God’s fallen archangel named Satan tempted our first parents to do wrong, thus we are all now born in a state of sin, in need of redemption. (Romans 3:23) This in fact, had far-reaching and lasting consequences for all mankind, inherited sin. (Romans 5:12) This sin nature is now described as lawlessness having the lack of conformity to the principles of our Creator, God. (1 John 3:4) This nature is now loosely defined as “human nature”.

Yes, all human beings, including those of statesmanship, will and do choose between good and evil. (Ephesians 6:12) It’s a fact of life. We now have both good and bad leadership within official diplomacy representation.

So, I trust you will enjoy the irony of this little fiction parable. So flop back on your man-cave sofa, turn up the reading light, grab a couple of those homemade chocolate raisin cookies, pour a big glass of homemade sweet tea, an enjoy another episode of the “The Sleepy Eyed King.“

“It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." (Proverbs 16:12-17, 23)

I had a dream and found myself again in a faraway medieval kingdom. As usual, I was standing there looking forward at the kingdom’s stately castle.

This time the scenery was somewhat different, not as peaceful as the others. Gathered around the moat drawbridge, there were a slew of kingdom citizens each carrying protest signs bearing the same message, that the new king’s election was questionable, to put it mildly.

In spite of this unexpected gathering, my dream had quickly taken me into my first assignment. So, I made every effort to move through this crowded assembly.

I was a brand-new, rookie news reporter on a very significant assignment to interview the kingdom's newly-elected king. What an easy assignment I thought until it took place.

Upon entering the vast castle compound, I was told to remain in the king's outer quarters until given the signal to enter the press room. I sat calmly as the time ticked by hour by hour. “I hope all’s well with this new King,” I thought, as the old clock on the wall struck eleven.

The signal was then given to enter the press room. The press conference arrangement was all set, with a table loaded with quill pens, ink wells, and blank scrolls. Strange as it may seem I was the only news reporter showing up for the new king's first news briefing. I thought to myself, “What a break for me! I will have him all to myself.” So, I just made myself comfortable, marking time awaiting the king’s arrival.

Coming hurriedly out of the King’s inner chamber, was the king's chief valet. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, my good man. I forgot to tell you that our newly-elected king is not an early riser,” he smiled embarrassedly as he spoke.

I knew better than to respond in a negative manner if I really wanted this interview, so I kept my cool.

Then the king came out to meet me, seeming somewhat disoriented. Maybe it was because of this late awakening, I thought.

As I approached the news table, I remembered my briefing with the king's staff. There were to be no questions on immigration, the economy, his surprising election victory, and definitely no questions on the many successes of the kingdom's previous king!

The king’s interview went somewhat smoothly, especially after his chief of staff handed him the scroll of notes to which he referred in response to my questions. It was amazing how his answers seem to align with my questions. Could it have been due to my pre-interview briefing?

Unfortunately my interview came to a screeching halt as the King was suddenly ushered away by his handlers. Rumor had it from the Kingdom press corps that this newly elected king had been confronted with serious election challenges.

However, it really didn't matter because my dream had suddenly ended, as most of my dreams do, before coming to a satisfying ending.

I was back home lying in bed gazing around my bedroom and I noticed lying on my night stand, by a divine miracle, was Mom’s old tattered Bible. This one had all the well-placed notes written in the margins. Mom was bad to scribble down such spiritual musings, bless her heart. I picked up her Bible and began to read.

“During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, You have made known to me what we asked of You, You have made known to us the dream of the king.” (Daniel 2:19-23)

Mom’s corresponding note, which I choose to keep private, revealed the gist of it all; my life, my view of it all, and my dream world. Yes, God is still in control. He works it all out for the good. Now, if only I can catch up on some sleep. End of dream, beginning of service. Amen,

EPILOGUE

I trust you enjoyed this musing in the life of the fictitious newly-elected king, as much as I did in its writing and putting it all together. Was it truly a dream? Or was it simply relaying the way I heard it, out in the highways and byways of life?

Having read this fictitious blog of a day in the life of this kingdom’s newly-elected king, what label would you place on him? Would it be a label of imposed, of being deposed or maybe simply that of being supposed. I'm indulging in a play on words.

Whatever the case may be, this little tale does make for good entertaining copy in passing time. If you have been reading my political blogs lately in respect to this fictional king, I’m sure you get my drift.