The Emperor's Seed

There are many passages in the Bible that I find difficult, and some commandments that I find  nearly impossible to keep.  I should like to discuss one of these commandments with you, but first a story, called "The Emperor's Seed.  It is an old story and many variations can be found.

Once there was an emperor in Asia who was growing old and decided it was time to choose a successor.  Having no children of his own, he decided to find a promising young one to inherit his throne.  He called the youth of his country together, and announced, "It is time for me to choose a fitting person unto whom I shall bequeath my kingdom.  I will give to each of you a seed, and only one seed.  These seeds come from the emperor's own garden, and have delighted me by producing the finest flowers.  Each of you must take your seed, return home with it, and water it and nurture it.  You will return to me in one year with your flowers, and I shall inspect and judge your results.  The one who brings me the finest flower shall take my place on the throne."

Amongst the youth was a young boy, Chou, and he received his seed just as the others.  He returned to his home and gathered a pot and fertile soil, and planted his seed that very day.  He diligently looked after it, watering it and fertilizing it and placing it in the sunshine.  With great care he tended to it, but nothing grew.  Nothing.

The other youth of his village began excitedly talking about their first growths, then the buds, and then their flowers.  Word spread between the villages and provinces, with tales of horticultural masterpieces.  Over the months, the many flowers were the topic of great discussion and comparison and praise.  Many had tall plants and beautiful blooms. Yet Chou's pot remained empty.  Several months later, Chou realized his seed was dead, and despite his finest efforts, felt convinced of his responsibility and failure. 

At the end of the year, the emperor called all those in his kingdom who had recieved their seed to return and show him what they had accomplished.  Chou had decided not to go, for he was ashamed of his empty, barren, dirt-filled receptacle.  His parents insisted, however, that he obey the command of the emperor and return, to honestly show his work.

When Chou arrived, the young from all over had brought the fruits of their labor, and the emperor's courtyard was filled with the astonishing sights and smells of the plants and flourishing blossoms of all sizes and shapes,  everywhere.  Chou's cheeks reddened as he placed his pot down in the yard.

The crowd quieted quickly as the emperor arrived.  "Today, I shall choose an emperor from among you.  First, I must inspect the many beautiful flowers and plants you have brought me."  Chou hung his head in shame, yet the emperor's gaze set upon him.  The emperor quickly ordered his guards to bring Chou foward, along with his empty pot.  Chou was sickened by this, and felt cold and fearful.  He dreaded being held out to all the others as an example of failure.   He was certain that his failure would lead to punishment, as well.

The emperor demanded his name.  "My name is Chou," he replied.  The crowd hurled insults at him as he held his dirty pot, and as he shook, the dirt spilled from it.  The emperor yelled, "Silence!," and the crowd hushed.  Then, he ordered everyone to kneel, and as Chou knelt, he expected a blow to his head.  "Behold!" spoke the emperor, pulling Chou to his feet.  I give you your new emperor!

"One year ago to this very day, each of you was given a seed.  You were to plant it, tend to it, water and nurture it, and return to me with your flower.  Yet all of you were given seeds that had been boiled, which cannot grow.  All of you save this honest boy Chou have returned to me with trees and plants and flowers, which came not from the seeds which I gave you, but seeds of your own which you dishonestly placed in your pots when you saw that the given seed would not grow.  The only seed of my own to be returned to me is Chou's, and only a man of integrity shall be emperor."

Many of you remember from your studies of math the term integer, which we use to describe a whole number, rather than a fraction.  The word integer comes from the Latin, which means "whole" or "complete."  This led to another Latin word, integritatem, meaning "soundness," "wholeness," or "blamelessness," and it is from this last word that we get our word "integrity."  A person of integrity is a "whole" person, without deficiency of character, such as lack of honesty or fidelity. 

Sometimes, we are hurt by others who lack integrity.  We expect people to be honest, keep their word, and play by the rules.  We are shocked when this does not happen.  I will more fully explore this in my next post, but leave you with my  my troubling Bible verse to ponder, Matthew 5:44. 

TO BE CONTINUED