Rating: 
Summary: A Must-Read!
Review: One of, if not the singular most convicting pieces of literature I've ever read. As a Christian churchworker, I face the temptation of not behaving as I should within the structure of God's Kingdom here on earth. This book has literally changed my way of thinking, or at least destroyed some of the prideful desires I have experienced. If you struggle with issues of pride and control, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: Quite possibly the best book ever written about kingdom authority and submission (with hints of obedience.) This novel looks at the lessons of authority and submission from the lives of three individuals...King Saul, King David, and wouldbe-king Absalom. If you ever get a book on the issues of authority and submission...this is the one to get. Yes, only 90 some pages, and easily read within 2 hours. You will get to see what king Saul thought of David, and what David thought of Saul (part 1). Later, you will get to see the rise of Absalom, and the struggle of David on how to deal with the issue. Shall David be towards Absalom as he was in his youth in regard to Saul? Or shall he be towards Absalom as Saul was towards himself? Buy it, read it, and for those of you in positions of leadership, try to get into the hands of other leaders at your church.
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: Quite possibly the best book ever written about kingdom authority and submission (with hints of obedience.) This novel looks at the lessons of authority and submission from the lives of three individuals...King Saul, King David, and wouldbe-king Absalom. If you ever get a book on the issues of authority and submission...this is the one to get. Yes, only 90 some pages, and easily read within 2 hours. You will get to see what king Saul thought of David, and what David thought of Saul (part 1). Later, you will get to see the rise of Absalom, and the struggle of David on how to deal with the issue. Shall David be towards Absalom as he was in his youth in regard to Saul? Or shall he be towards Absalom as Saul was towards himself? Buy it, read it, and for those of you in positions of leadership, try to get into the hands of other leaders at your church.
Rating: 
Summary: Be Careful In Reading This Book
Review: Some groups and churches use this book incorrectly. Please also read this author's "Letters to a Devastated Christian" in addition to this book. In that book, he even explains how this book is sometimes misused. The two books go very well together.
Rating:
Summary: God's Pruning
Review: The reader immediately becomes engrossed in the lives of three ancient kings. But, as you read Edwards sneaks up and thrusts you into the middle of the kingdom. Soon, you find God is not just pruning David as he serves King Saul but you find that God is pruning deadness from your own life. Do you serve a mad king? Perhaps. You ask but God does not tell. Do you continue to serve? How long do you serve this king who might be mad? Why do you continue to serve this king? Are you a leader whose kingdom is threaten? What do you do? Gene Edwards answers these questions by allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to each reader individually. He never pushes his own thoughts or agenda. He allows the Holy Spirit to guide us into submission to God's purposes and plans.
Rating:
Summary: A breathtaking expose'on being naked before God.
Review: The Word of God says in Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?" "The Tale of Three Kings", brilliantly illustrates how the sin nature of man is so skillful at clothing it's true motives with "figs leaves" of rationalization. I was reminded how important it is for each believer to stay naked before God, who alone can see and know what lies in the hidden place of the heart.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Review: This book captures the essence of submission and brokenness. It really challenged me to reevaluate the way I see others. This book is a quick read, yet it conveys a powerful message. A book that needs to be read by any serious Christian.
Rating: 
Summary: Broken Hearts are Better
Review: This book is a very insightful dramatization of the contrast in character quality found in three Old Testament kings: Saul, David and Absalom. If you are familiar with the biblical story of these three kings (in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel) you'll be impressed with how true this character study rings and how applicable its lessons are for today. What makes a good king (or leader)? Is it possible to attain good leadership qualities by one's own effort? When and how is opposition to a bad leader justified? This little drama brings out some profound answers to these questions. Very thought provoking and heart wrenching.
Rating:
Summary: Broken Hearts are Better
Review: This book is a very insightful dramatization of the contrast in character quality found in three Old Testament kings: Saul, David and Absalom. If you are familiar with the biblical story of these three kings (in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel) you'll be impressed with how true this character study rings and how applicable its lessons are for today. What makes a good king (or leader)? Is it possible to attain good leadership qualities by one's own effort? When and how is opposition to a bad leader justified? This little drama brings out some profound answers to these questions. Very thought provoking and heart wrenching.
Rating:
Summary: I found this book intriguing.
Review: This book is must reading for every church leader. It is a study of the use and misuse of authority. In it, Edwards examines the lives of King Saul who demanded allegiance and held onto power at all cost; the life of King David who would not pursue power or hold onto it by force even when faced with rebellion; and David?s son, Absalom, the man who would become king by leading a rebellion. The book was written especially to address the problem of submission and authority in the modern church. An underlying theme of this magnificent tale is that one cannot know for certain who are anointed by God and who are not; whom God has blessed and whom He as not. True leaders often make mistakes and pretenders to the crown can often look Godly; therefore, we should be very careful about passing judgment on our leaders. These three simple stories convey more meaning and impact than a scholarly tome on authority. Edwards follows the example set by Jesus by telling simple stories to convey deep theological truths. His insight that leadership, even Godly leadership, is inherently flawed because God works through flawed people is excellent. Also worthy of note is the insight not to rush to judgment when condemning authority. The message needs to be heard in our impatient culture. Edwards notes that men who thought they were doing the will of God murdered both Jesus and Stephen. There are two significant weaknesses in this book.. First, the story is incomplete. It ends with David retreating from Jerusalem with Absalom holding power. Edwards fails to tell us that the story really ends with David doing battle with the rebels and Absaloms subsequent death. David did fight for his throne. Second, we live in an age where everyone believes they have the inherent right to question authority. Edwards does not address the need to teach on authority and submission as contrasted with demanding it. Boomers and Xers often have no idea of submission. Even many who were born before World War II do not understand the biblical concept of authority; like Korah who rebelled against Moses, they hold to a democratic model of authority. If we do not each our people the biblical concepts of authority and submission, how will they learn? This book is a sobering reminder that all church polity is ultimately congregational. Leaders cannot demand the allegiance of their people. If my people choose not to follow my leadership by withdrawing their attendance, offerings and service, I will fail as a leader. I was especially helped by Edwards observation that all kings have their critics. Leaders are flawed vessels of God?s anointing. Rebels may promise the world, but they can only deliver it with the cooperation of the people. If the people grow tired, wither the rebels dream may fail, or a dictatorship must be established. Again, this book is must reading for all church leaders. As a political science major, B.S. University of Oregon, 1973, I found this book intriguing.
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