delight

The Fables of Bipai was the name given during the Middle Ages to a famous collection of Hindu tales full of wit and wisdom. Bipai is compared to Aesop because he used animal fables to instruct. Interestingly, Proverbs in the bible also uses animals to demonstrate this as well. Nonetheless, one of the tales of the two travelers, Ganem and Salem, demonstrates heart and purpose.

These two men were on a journey when they stopped at a stream near some woods to eat and rest. When they went to continue, they discovered a white stone with lettering inscribed with this inscription:

Travelers, we have prepared an excellent banquet for your refreshment, but you must be bold and deserve it before you can obtain it. What you are to do is this: throw yourselves bravely into the stream and swim to the other side. You will find there a lion carved from marble. This statue you must lift upon your shoulders and, with one run, carry to the top of yonder mountain, never heeding the thorns which prick your feet nor the wild beasts that may be lurking in the bushes to devour you. When once you have gained the top of the mountain, you will find yourselves in possession of great happiness.

Ganem was excited when he read those words and was prepared to follow the directions to see if it was true. Salem, on the other hand, had excuses such as, what if the stream is too swift? the lion is too heavy? what if we can’t make it to the top of the mountain? and he wanted no part in the plan.

Ganem then told Salem, “if you won’t go with me, then I’ll go alone” and the two friends parted ways. Immediately, Ganem jumped into the stream encountering a whirlpool, but he swam safely to the other side of the river. After a brief rest, he hoisted the marble lion on his shoulders and ran to the top of the mountain where he stood surprised before the gates of a beautiful city.

Suddenly roars came from inside the lion on his shoulder and as they grew louder, the city began to tremble and the mountains echoed the roar. To Ganem’s amazement, crowds of people with smiling faces poured out of the city gates undaunted by the noise. As they drew nearer, a group of young noblemen, leading a prancing black horse, knelt before Ganem.

“Brave stranger, we beseech thee to put on these regal robes which we are bringing, and, mounted upon this charger, ride back with thy subjects to the city."
Ganem couldn’t believe his ears and asked them to explain this honor. They replied, "Whenever our king dies, we place upon the stone by the river the inscription which you have read. Then we wait patiently until a traveler passes by who is brave enough to undertake the bold venture. Thus we are always assured that our king is a man who is fearless of heart and dauntless of purpose. We crown you to-day as King over our city."

What an honor we have as Christians to have Jesus as our King. The Israelites waited for their Savior and we wait for His return today. We can delight in the fact that he keeps His promises because He delights in us.

The Lord makes firm the steps
    of the one who delights in him;
 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psam 37: 24