The Bride, The Lover and The Fool

"Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things." (1 John 3:18-20)

 There were three bond-slaves, close companions, who set out on a journey together. Each had in mind to discover a different treasure. One desired his own pasture, one his own flock, and the other a shepherd. It seemed good to each one to agree that as they found what they were looking for they would share such a Joy with the others just as their master had always instructed them.

Now it came to pass that the seeker of a flock found the one he most desired, as did the other who sought a shepherd. But because they believed the third companion who had not yet found good pasture might become bitter at their good news, the other two thought it best to continue wandering and withhold their Joy from him. Instead, ignoring the Wisdom of their master, the one joined his flock to the other's shepherd and they continued traveling the countryside together leaving the third behind. Whether they acted selfishly or out of concern for him no one knows, but off they went nonetheless.

 As it would happen, time passed, and the longer they were bound, traveling together, the the greater the number of people they allowed to discover their secret. All except the still faithful, third companion who had by now heard many whispers about the other two and his heart was becoming grieved. Not for news of their treasure or union, but because he loved them both very much and he knew they had purposefully kept the knowledge of both from him. 

If only they'd remembered their master's instruction, they would have come to him first and seen that though he hadn't yet found a pasture of his own, he had instead long since returned to tend the master's lands. He was fully content in his work and rather than being angry or envious, would have rejoiced at their good news and been joyful with them as they had all once agreed when they began.

Now I ask you: 

Which was the Lover?

Which was the Bride?

Which was the Fool?

"But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops." (Luke 12:2-3)