Sermon Illustrations

There is an enlightening Japanese legend of a stonecutter named Hasnu. While carving a stone one day he grew miserably weary, and in his weariness began to wish for easier work, and more money.

Seeing the king ride by on his horse, he thought he would like to be king. At once his wish was granted. But riding on the royal horse, he became miserable from the sun beating down on his head and neck.

Realizing that the sun was stronger than a king, he wished to be the sun. His wish was granted. But as he shone down, a cloud formed. In a short time the cloud burst and spread itself over land and mountain, running down the creeks and rivers, moving everything in its path except a huge stone.

Yes, that stone was mightier then the water, so he wanted to be a stone. But there came a man with a hammer and a chisel, who began to hack on the stone.

Yes, the stone-cutter was mightier than the stone. Only then did Hasnu realize the power of a stone-cutter. Only then was he content with his lot.

—Arthur Tonne

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