299- The Word of the King

As Mike committed many crimes, he was taken to the king who was enraged, as he knew much about Mike. Mike trembled in the presence of the king unable to look at his face. He expected to be sentenced to death. When the king saw him panicking, he said to him, “Mike, you committed many crimes. What do you want before death?”

Mike tried to collect himself and said, “A cup of water.”

The cup of water was brought to Mike who could not hold it as his hands were trembling. The king said, “Drink it for, you won’t be killed before you drink it.”

Mike tried to lift it up to his lips but it fell down from his hands and was broken. The men of the court were enraged and asked the king to let them behead Mike. However, the king looked at Mike and said smiling, “The word of the king should be executed. As you didn’t drink the water, I won’t kill you. Go, I excuse you this time. Go and repent.”

Mike went out joyfully considering it a chance for repentance.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: كلمة الملك.

If the word of the king should be executed,

What about Your Divine words and promises then!

Indeed he who believes in You will not be judged.

Let me find Your love and enjoy Your kindness.

May I cling to Your promises O the King of Kings.

Orange Juice?

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

Long Ruth and the Thieves