Again and again I have to think of the history of the fourth king. So many years I had only the three kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar known - with their heads raised, their astonishing gifts, incense, myrrh and gold, and their short and successful visit to the newborn child in Bethlehem. The fourth king is Artaban and he embodies the human, earthly journey to Christianity. The path marked by the failure is, and some of us might know.
Artaban is the fourth way from the East, he will follow with the other three the star to Bethlehem to worship the new king. He takes him for a sapphire, with a ruby and a pearl. But he achieved his companions in time because he a patient who was in his way, and helped saved his life. The others are already gone when he arrives at the agreed location. Artaban makes himself alone on the vast and unknown journey, he follows the star imperturbable. For to follow the course of the star, it is said, means to untangle the threads of the mystery of life from beginning to end.
His trip is delayed. He must sell the sapphire in order to procure equipment that enable it to cross the desert alone. It further follows the star, because the stars represent the thoughts of the eternal and thus the new. Artaban remains true to its path and draws inspiration from his faith, his love and hope have to welcome the new king to be allowed even though the time is advanced and the star is already fading. When he finally comes
to Bethlehem, the holy family had fled - his three companions who had preceded him, has already moved on. Exhausted, he finds a refuge with a young woman with a small child, and he may, on the basis of the give-way there his ruby, prevent even the little child in this house the soldiers of Herod falls victim.
Artaban moves on. Weak and tired. He seeks the king does not lose its track, but he is always too late. Years pass. Often he is in despair. After thirty-three years, he is as old and frail man back to Jerusalem to die, but still a seeker after the new king, even though he has almost given up. Only his pearl it has remained as a gift yet. Since it is a troop of soldiers against that drives a young girl before him, to be sold as a slave.
clasped the girl in fear the weak Artaban knees and begs for help. And once again threatens to shatter the soul Artaban in doubt - he should give even the last gift, without having found the king? Artaban gives in and gives it the Pearl of the girl so that she has a ransom. He himself admits that his quest has failed, that it is over and that he would die now, without finding the star.
It lies on the edge of the road and see how crowds move past him to Calvary, to be there when two notorious robbers, and one who is called Jesus of Nazareth to be crucified. Artaban indulges his weakness, and hears a voice, to his Heart speaks. "Verily I say unto you, What you have done the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me." And so in death he is the new king, he has sought for so long, very close. He finds him.
This story touched me very
. What I have not once asked for anything, and I made myself a little determination. Desire, intention, determination - such simple words. Yes, some things have already been around when I look back, - but much, much, not - not at all! And sometimes I doubt whether I am on the right path, if my star is still lit, and if I know my fellow travelers.
The story of Artaban gives me comfort. It shows how so many different story, say as "Lord of the Rings" or "Parsifal", how right you are doing it to stay with his wishes, plans and decisions loyal, even if it still seems so hopeless, because we rarely know where in the great journey we find ourselves.
failure, or rather alleged failure hurts. And success (perceived success?), We have grown up like us. But if I read all the wonderful comments that have arrived so quietly and softly and incessantly on my Christmas questions, then I see how much pain, uncertainty and tedious way we all tread to the stars to follow to carry the faith to live the love and not give up our hopes.
I thank you very much for every single comment, because each fragment is a piece of every star in the evening sky, where each of us follows that each of us is. Henry van Dyke
: The fourth way. Published at the Goetheanum, Dornach (CH).
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