DON’T LEAVE THE KING IN RIDICULE
The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame» (Proverbs 14:35).
In 1485, Christopher Columbus had been widowed and was in charge of a young son; besides, he did not have any money and he had many debts. However, he had enough strength to excite many people with the extraordinary project of finding a new route to the east, especially Queen Isabella of Castile and her husband, Ferdinand of Aragon, who were willing to support him, despite the many doubts that such an idea aroused.
The main problem in supporting Columbus was not money. In fact, the three thousand or four thousand ducats he needed could have been achieved by some Spanish tycoon, such as the dukes of Medina-Sidonia or Medinaceli.
So, what was the biggest obstacle? The admiral’s ambition. Not only did he ask for the financing of the voyage, but he aspired to obtain the greatest honors that no one could imagine at the time: no less than the titles of admiral of the sea (which made him equal with the highest Castilian nobility) and viceroy and governor of the lands that would be discovered. As if that were not enough, he demanded one tenth of the riches that would be obtained (gold, precious pearls, and spices). Also, Diego, his son, would be named page of Prince John (son of the Catholic monarchs). The king was very disgusted with such pretensions, but thanks to the queen’s intervention, he agreed to support Columbus.
On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered a new continent. In Spain he was received as a hero. Now it was time to go back and go from sailor to ruler. But Columbus showed enormous incompetence to govern a people and he did not I mow how to solve problems of state, causing chaos in the small Spanish colony of the new continent. The alarming news reached Spain. The mockeries and murmurings against the monarchs did not stop. Why had this man been given so much favor? The consequences had been dire. What were they waiting for to intervene? Then, the monarchs sent an investigating judge, Francisco de Bobadilla, with complete power even over the governor, who dominated the situation. But he had to seize Columbus and his two brothers, Diego and Bartholomew. If that were not enough, the great discoverer of America was sent to Spain in shackles, like a vulgar criminal.
Never forget to honor and thank those who give you support. Enjoy your triumphs. Don’t be greedy. The greater your blunders, the greater the embarrassment for those who believed in you one day, and sooner or later you will pay.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo