Several years ago, I attended a pastors’ conference where the keynote speaker shifted part of his message to address the heartbreak of ministry. During that talk, he mentioned a book that I’ve since gone back to and read multiple times. The book is called “A Tale of Three Kings” by Gene Edwards, and is a brief but deeply penetrating allegory that explores leadership, brokenness, and the heart of true servanthood. I also would suggest re-reading it from time to time.

First published in 1980, the book has endured as a staple for pastors, church leaders, and believers navigating seasons of conflict and authority in ministry. Through a retelling of the biblical lives of Saul, David, and Absalom, Edwards crafts a careful reflection of how leaders and non-leaders alike should respond to unjust treatment, spiritual authority, and personal ambition.

At its core, the book asks a timeless question: How should a leader respond when mistreated by other leaders—or when entrusted with power themselves? To answer, Edwards draws readers into the contrasting stories of three kings. Saul, the first king of Israel, embodies insecurity, jealousy, and tyranny. He is the “tormented king,” a man who clings to the throne and lashes out at threats—real or imagined.

Absalom, David’s son, is the “rebellious king,” driven by charm and self-promotion. His ambition

leads to division, usurpation, and ultimately destruction. Between them stands David, the “broken king.” Though anointed by God, David spends years under Saul’s unjust rule, refusing to lift a hand against God’s chosen leader. Later, when confronted with Absalom’s rebellion, David does not cling to his throne but entrusts the outcome to God.

The brilliance of Edwards’ writing lies in its simplicity. The book is short, poetic, and almost theatrical in style—more like a script for a stage play than a traditional narrative. Sentences are brief, often no more than a line or two, with a rhythm that makes the reading feel reflective, even prayerful. This format allows the weight of his words to linger. Each chapter becomes a moment of contemplation rather than mere information.

For leaders who have been wounded by authority, Edwards offers comfort: you are not alone, and your suffering may be God’s tool for shaping your heart. David’s long exile under Saul is portrayed not as wasted years, but as the very means by which God formed a man after His own heart. In contrast, for those who wield power, the story serves as a sobering reminder: authority is not a right to be seized or clung to but a trust given by God. The way one responds to both affliction and success reveals the true nature of the heart.

Interestingly enough, what makes “A Tale of Three Kings” enduring is not just its exploration of leadership but its call to surrender. Edwards insists that brokenness—not ambition, charisma, or skill—is the mark of a leader God can truly use. David emerges as the model, not because he was flawless, but because he consistently entrusted justice and vindication to God rather than taking it into his own hands. In today’s world of fractured relationships and leadership scandals, this message resonates powerfully.

That said, the book’s brevity may leave some readers wishing for more exposition. Edwards does not provide detailed biblical commentary or theological arguments; instead, he paints with broad, allegorical strokes. Some may find the lack of context limiting, especially those unfamiliar with the biblical stories. Yet for many, this sparseness is exactly what makes the book effective—it strips away excess and forces readers to wrestle with the heart issues beneath the narratives.

In less than 100 pages, A Tale of Three Kings manages to be convicting, healing, and unsettling all at once. It does not promise easy answers.

Instead, it invites readers into the mystery of God’s refining process, where wounds can become the pathway to wisdom and humility. For anyone struggling with betrayal, authority, or ambition in the church—or simply seeking to lead with a heart shaped by God—this little book offers a powerful, enduring word: true kings are shaped in the crucible of brokenness.

Tony Lantz
Lead Pastor - Life Church, Emporia
Presbyter - Southeast Region