The Frogs Desiring a King by Aesop

The Frogs were living as happy as could be in a marshy swamp that just suited them; they went splashing about caring for nobody and nobody troubling with them. But some of them thought that this was not right, that they should have a king and a proper constitution, so they determined to send up a petition to Jove to give them what they wanted. “Mighty Jove,” they cried, “send unto us a king that will rule over us and keep us in order.” Jove laughed at their croaking, and threw down into the swamp a huge Log, which came down with a splash into the swamp. The Frogs were frightened out of their lives by the commotion made in their midst, and all rushed to the bank to look at the horrible monster; but after a time, seeing that it did not move, one or two of the boldest of them ventured out towards the Log, and even dared to touch it; still it did not move. Then the greatest hero of the Frogs jumped upon the Log and commenced dancing up and down upon it, thereupon all the Frogs came and did the same; and for some time the Frogs went about their business every day without taking the slightest notice of their new King Log lying in their midst. But this did not suit them, so they sent another petition to Jove, and said to him, “We want a real king; one that will really rule over us.” Now this made Jove angry, so he sent among them a big Stork that soon set to work gobbling them all up. Then the Frogs repented when too late. Better no rule than cruel rule.

Filed Under Literature | Leave a Comment 

Genesis 14 – The kings of Salem and Sodom

Melchizedek, the king of Salem, is a character that fascinates me. He is called a “priest of God Most High”. Melchizedek blesses Abram and blesses God. Then Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he owned. The king of Sodom then asks for the captives from a recent military campaign to be returned to him in exchange for Abram keeping the valuables. Abram declines because he does not want anyone to think he became wealthy due to the king of Sodom; Abram wants everyone to know it was God who gave him all his possessions.

I need to freely give to those who are true ministers of the word of God. I need to be careful who I associate with. I need to make sure my focus is on being an example of Jesus, and not on becoming great, or wealthy.

Filed Under Bible Study | Leave a Comment