414- How Can I Rebuild the Temple?

It was said that Darius, king of Persia, woke up one day to find his three bodyguards, arguing among themselves about what is the strongest thing in the world. They agreed that each bodyguard would write his opinion in a sheet of paper; all the three papers should be put under the king's pillow. He would read them all and would reward the best answer.

The first wrote that wine is the strongest thing in the world. The second wrote that the king is the strongest person in the world. However, the third wrote that “Truth” is the strongest thing in the world.

The king found the three papers. He gathered the wise men in his kingdom to find out from them the best answer. The king asked each one of his guards to explain his point of view.

The first said, “You people know how powerful drinking is, as it makes great people act in a silly way. Wine can make you lose your mind, and the ability to think soundly. If wine can do all that would it not be considered the strongest thing in the world?”

The second guard said, “The king is the strongest person in the country. He orders troops and no one can stop him. They go to war. They might die and if they win the war they come back with lots of things to the king.”

At last the third guard had the opportunity to explain his point of view. He said, “Great is the “Truth”. It is stronger than any thing. Wine is evil, kings could also be evil, but “Truth” will always be there. “Truth” is powerful. It will never die. Truth will do what is just.”

When the audience heard that; they shouted. “Great is Truth, it is more powerful than any thing else.”

The king asked the guard whose name was Zerubbabel, “You are the wisest among all my guards. What would you like as a reward?”

Answered Zerubbabel, “Remember your majesty you promised to build Jerusalem when you become king. You promised to build the temple. Now, it is time to fulfill your promise. You promised that in front of the King of Heaven.”

The king was pleased and sent him off to Jerusalem. At that moment, the guard lifted up his eyes to heaven, and prayed to God saying, “Lord, You are the source of wisdom, glory be to you. I am Your servant.”

And so through his wisdom Zerubbabel convinced the king of Persia to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: كيف أُعيد بناء الهيكل؟

Dwell in me O, Divine Wisdom.

When I possess You I will possess the Truth.

With You I become strong O the Power of God.

You are the source of Wisdom, Truth and Power.

You are my Praise, my Power O my Good Savior.

A Joined Venture between Honesty and Dishonesty

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

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