“The scouts have returned, Majesty, with their report.” General Cassius knelt before the king of Cardonia, who sat on his throne.
“You may rise.” The king gestured with his hand. “And their report is?”
“Twenty thousand troops have formed in battle array atop Mount Zidar across the plain, Sire.”
“Twenty thousand! I had no idea King Kobar had such strength. Muster our entire army for battle.”
“Sire, the total of our troops now number only ten thousand. Shall we lure the enemy close to our fortress where the odds may be more favorable?”
“Do our troops have the skill for victory in such a situation?”
“Not really, Your Majesty,” Cassius hated to admit. “Most lack experience while many of the veteran warriors are injured or fatigued from our recent campaign.”
“Then let us send a delegation to negotiate peace.”
“Honorable King, the only pathway to peace with Kobar is surrender.” Cassius felt a knot forming in his stomach as the words left his mouth.
“True, but better to surrender than loss of life and city.” The same knot welled up in the king’s throat. “Prepare the delegation to negotiate for peace, first by threat, second by treaty, and finally by surrender.”
“The good news is that Kobar is a good and fair king, Majesty. Perhaps he will be kind to you.”
“Perhaps,” the king replied, “What choice do I have, anyway.”
“Greetings, King Kobar. We come with hopes of peace; King Senah’s general, Cassius is gathering the army as we speak.”
“The only terms for your peace are full surrender.” King Kobar showed no lack of confidence.
“May we become allies by signing a treaty, my lord?”
“Why would I ally with weakness? Bring your king to me.”
Stricken with fear, King Senah’s delegate knew he had no choice remaining. “May I comfort him with the news that you will spare his life?”
“His life will be better as my subject than it could ever be otherwise.” King Kobar had no hatred for Senah. “The more fully he surrenders, the better his plight shall be.”
The delegation returned to the palace with the message from King Kobar. King Senah rode out and ascended Mount Zidar and surrendered to King Kobar.
King Kobar proved better than his word and reputation. The Cardonians were treated with provision and protection for generations; throughout King Jobar’s royal lineage, rulers were all kind to their subjects.
So it is with you and me. We can either resist God or surrender to Him, so is there really a choice?
Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:31-33)