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Christ the Lion
varied writings of C. S. Lewis, 1898-1963. This is the year we celebrate the centenary of his birth. Aslan, the wonderful and terrible lion, is the "Christ" figure in C. S. Lewis' powerful allegory, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA. CHRIST THE LION "Are you thirsty?" said the Lion. "I'm DYING of thirst," said Jill. "Then drink," said the Lion. "May I-could I-would you mind going away while I do?" said Jill. The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience. The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic. "Will you promise not to-do anything to me, if I come?" said Jill. "I make no promise," said the Lion. Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer. "Do you eat girls?" she said. "I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms," said the Lion. It didn't say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it. "I daren't come and drink," said Jill. "Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion. "O dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer. "I suppose I must go and look for another stream then." "There is no other stream," said the Lion. - C. S. Lewis, THE SILVER CHAIR, Macmillan Company, 1953 [For some reason, that dialogue reminds a bit of the conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4). I'll let you decide what the NARNIA excerpt has to do with Christian worship. For hints, start with Psalm 42:1-2, John 4, and John 14:6.; and please remember that Narnia is not just for children. ] Have a great week, Chip Stam Pastor or Worship and Music Chapel Hill Bible Church Chapel Hill, North Carolina |