other one of
Ruth's grandbabies.

But in the purpose of God, neither David nor David's Greater Son would
have been possible without Naomi. And so one woman remaining true to
God became a roadway along which the Almighty walked to the
accomplishment of His great purpose, even the salvation of the world.

XIII

CONFESSIONS OF A FAILURE--THE BUSY MAN

_1 Kings 20:40_

In 1 Kings 20:40 you will find the text. "As thy servant was busy here
and there, he was gone." This is part of a parable that was spoken by
a certain prophet to King Ahab. This prophet was seeking to rebuke the
king for his leniency in dealing with Benhadad, whom he had overcome in
battle. It is not our purpose, however, to discuss this parable in
relation to its context. We are going to consider it altogether apart
from its surroundings. We will rather study it as it is related to
ourselves. Here then, is the story of this man's failure from his own
lips. "Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold,
a man turned aside and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man:
if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or
else thou shalt pay a talent of silver. And as thy servant was busy
here and there, he was gone."

I imagine I meet this soldier immediately after he has been put in
charge of his important captive. He walks with the purposeful stride
of one who knows his task and who is setting seriously about doing it.
He seems to appreciate the honor that has been conferred upon him. He
seems also to have a sense of the serious responsibilities involved.
And when he takes his position before the cell of his prisoner he
watches with all diligence.

But when I pass his way again next day I am greatly shocked. My
soldier is no longer on guard. Another had taken his place. And when
I look about for the important prisoner that has been captured at the
price of blood and conflict he is no longer to be seen. Upon inquiry I
find that he has escaped. In his place, bowed down with shame and
dressed in chains, is the man who yesterday was a guardsman.

I cannot pass him by without a question. "How did this come about?" I
ask. "Were you surprised and overcome? Did your fellow soldiers allow
a strong company to break through their lines and to overpower you and
take your prisoner from you? Did a strong hand strike you down from
behind in the dark? How is it that your prisoner had escaped?"