JC SleekNSassy’s Favorite Parables

The Parable Of Three Lights

Once upon a time there were three lights glowing brightly in the darkness. All three of the lights each had a message to give to the world. So one day they summoned all the people of the earth before them so that they could make their case.

"I am the Light of Human wisdom," the first light said. "I give quick solutions to all your problems. I also give you the power to solve the problems of others. You need no other light than me. I will make you great before men, so that your wisdom will be praised by them. This I will do this for you, if you will only follow me."

Some of the people of the world liked what the Light of Human Wisdom had said and followed it. The light burned for a very long time, but it finally ran out of fuel, died away, and was no more, leaving its followers foolish and groping in the darkness.

"I am the Light of Human Knowledge," the second light said, "and knowledge is power. You need no other light. I will give you power so great that all men will look to you in envy, if you will only follow me.

Some of the people of the world liked what the Light of Human Knowledge had promised them, so they followed it. The light burned for a very long time, but finally it ran out of fuel, died away, and was no more, leaving its followers powerless and in darkness.

"I am the Light of the World," the third Light said. "I do not depend on human wisdom nor on human knowledge for my fuel because I am wisdom and I am knowledge. I burn with the truth, and the well of my fuel is endless because it is filled by my Father who is forever. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will always have me to light his way to the Father in Heaven. Because of my mercy you will have knowledge and you will have wisdom, but not of this earth. And through me, your own light will never be extinguished."

And those who followed the Light of the World found that it was both telling the truth and that it really would never die. And the Light, and its followers, shined brightly forever.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12 NIV)

The Parable of the Pawn

Once there was a pawn who wanted to be independent. He was sad, and chafed against his limitations. These rules are so unfair, said the little pawn. I can only move forward, and then only one space at a time, except for my first move.

Furthermore, complained the little pawn, I cannot attack an opponent directly in front of me, nor beside me, nor behind me. I can only attack at the front angle to the right or left. This is s-o unfair!

How the little pawn pined and longed to be a bishop or a knight. Sometimes, he even longed to be a rook. It was just so irritating to have to be linked to other pawns to have any strength. The little pawn wanted to be able to stand on his own and have an impact on the contest, instead of being a disposable, lowly pawn.

As the game progressed, the little pawn advanced and advanced. He helped his team by holding his spot. For, as lowly as he was, no other stronger piece in the opponent’s team cared to be sacrificed for a mere pawn. Such strength! To be so lowly the enemy would not attack the little pawn for fear of its losses.

Finally, the little pawn was standing on the 7th rank. Suddenly, the chessmaster spoke to the little pawn: you will now bring victory for our team. For of ALL the pieces on the board, only the insignificant, lowly pawns have the potential to become the strongest of them all, a queen!

We are all like pawns: in the greater overall events of the world and history, we are insignificant. And, we all lean upon something. Some lean upon alcohol. Some lean upon material possessions. Some lean upon prozac.

But to become a victor in this life, the only true leaning post is Jesus Christ. We need the Body of Christ in order to be strong. And, if we persevere, in the end we will win the prize, a crown of Life.

In the midst of the battle of daily life, we can become frustrated with the need to be dependent. We were designed that way, by God, however. And under His direction and empowerment, we can manifest a divine strength and defeat the enemy. Hallelujah!

Jesus said: "Apart from me you can do nothing". Much better crutch than booze or pills or anger, eh?

The peace of God is found in fulfilling the created purpose of God for our lives: Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.