Nagan

Once upon a time, there lived a great king. He was the first king of his order and his kingdom was growing. The king conquered many of the nations that opposed him. Then, the king made a terrible mistake and his grip on the kingdom began to slip from his fingers. It was as if he had lost something from inside himself.

In short order, a malevolence came upon the king and it was apparent to all that the king had an inner turmoil that was destroying him. The king would be visibly fraught with pains, both in mind and body. The king’s closest servants came to him and encouraged him to seek help. So, because of his great anguish, the king had the servants seek out a therapist who would be fitting to treat a king.

A boy in the court spoke up, “I have seen Nagan. He is upstanding and strong; he is smart and handsome. Surely, Nagan is even divinely blessed. Nagan can treat the king. Nagan will be able to sooth the malevolence that haunts the king so.” And so, the Nagan was sent for and was found on his family ranch.

Nagan’s father sent him to the service of the king with a gift, as is customary, and Nagan entered the service of the king.

The king loved Nagan and the two formed a strong, personal relationship. Wherever the king when Nagan would follow with the king’s clothing and watch out for the king’s safety. Anytime the malevolence weighed heavy on the king Nagan would sooth the king’s soul. Nagan would bring great refreshing to the king and the malevolence would depart.

A moral of the story? Even kings need therapy. Nagan is the Hebrew word for “minstrel” and is used of David, especially in this story of healing Saul from a “harmful spirit” (1 Samuel 16.14-23). Perhaps this is why God’s children are called upon to sing to one another. Your melodious crooning is to heal my spirit. Our songs do not serve ourselves, but those who hear. As you bellow blessings this day, remember that you are healing the hearts of the hearers.