The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe - Part II

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.(1 Cor 1:27)

So pretend you are Aslan, the mighty Lion of Narnia, and the kingdom with all its inhabitants are under a curse. (Remember always winter never Christmas.) Who do you call for reinforcements? Who do you entrust the greatest battle to? The answer is: CHILDREN. Did it move you as it MovedMe that these were four young children…expected to fight, lead in battle, heal, basically save the world? What is that all about? Let’s explore.

First, there is Peter the wannabe adult who in one scene looks at a soldier not much older than him…seemingly wondering “are they going to send me into this war soon?” Then there is Susan who just wants to be practical and safe…things that are totally unnecessary in battle or saving the world. Never forget Edmund the treacherous and selfish boy who cannot follow an order to save his life (literally…think bomb shelter scene.) Last but not least there is Lucy who seems barely out of the thumb sucking and blankie years.

If I am Mr. Beaver or that big Centaur General guy (Otmin?) I’m thinking huh? When the prophesy told of sons of Adam and daughters of Eve I thought they’d be…well full grown. I didn’t sign up for babysitting duty! But it’s a beautiful part of the story that these unassuming kids (even Peter says, “We’re not heroes!”) become heroes….yes even Kings and Queens.

On the surface this might seem to be the whim of an old professor writing a children’s story. It just seems so silly. But just as I wrote in Part I this story points to an even bigger story…one that God is unfolding on this earth. I’ve seen this concept lived out in my life over and over again. As I serve God in my local fellowship (check out my profile) I realize the leaders, especially me, are a group of ordinary people being called and lead by an extraordinary God. All you have to do is spy on us Elders when we are just hanging out…the term boys will be boys comes to mind!

Could it be that this is the way God has ordained it from the very beginning? I mean really look at the heroes of the Bible…they are anything but extraordinary. Who did God call to lead millions of Hebrews out of Egypt? He called an 80 year old man (Moses) who admittedly couldn’t speak in public. Who is God’s chosen King, “a man after God’s own heart” but a ruddy little shepherd named David. And of course God Himself chose to be a lowly Carpenter from Nazareth, Jesus. Oh by the way, Jesus left the fledgling new church to twelve ordinary men (mostly fishermen) that seemingly couldn’t get a long.

I’m sensing a pattern…and it’s an encouraging one. Because like I said, though I have a calling to minister to others, I’m pretty much a normal guy. I struggle with sin, passivity, and apathy. I get down on myself when I make mistakes and can’t seem to get it together. For the most part I always feel like I’m blowing it. But according to God’s standards above I’m qualified!

So how about you? Maybe you are a Christian as you read this and you don’t feel particularly useful in God’s Kingdom since you don’t have great skills or degrees you can boast of. Or maybe you are a seeker who thinks you’ve got to get it together before you can commit your life to Christ. Remember the kids who were called into Narnia to fight, lead in battle, heal, and help save the world. They should be an encouragement to us. For those who think much of themselves and their skills, attributes, and education…well maybe the children aren’t an encouragement.

As for me I go about my days thankful for the verse quoted at the beginning of this blog. I embrace it with all of my being. I’m also thankful that Aslan trusted the children of this movie to help save Narnia. I can dream to do big things for the Kingdom of God and its people then, because He has chosen me…one of the most foolish and weak people I know!

As a conclusion to Part II and an intro to Part III remember the scene in the end when Aslan gives the children NEW names…no longer are they known as children or timid or treacherous but…something much more glorious!