Winter is wreaking havoc on us this year. I am thankful for some snow days (snow week!), but to be perfectly honest, this cold just ain't my style.
In the interest of enjoying our wintery down time, we watched Narnia as a family this weekend. Though I detested reading and journaling on the series of books in 4th grade, I really like the movies. :) The movie just brings everything to life and I am captivated!
While watching it, I said to no one in particular, "Ugh, Edmund is the worst. I can't stand him! So selfish and foolish and easily bought. And that annoying little smirk on his face. Sigh." So then my intelligent boyfriend begins to explain that Edmund represents this or that in the story (Judas, I think he said), etc..
I know. I know. Still don't like him. My response really should've been a sign to me. But I digress.
This morning I'm sitting here, thinking about all of us trapped in sins we can't seem to get free of. Thinking about what grace looks like when our hands are stained, when we've been found guilty the 7th, 8th, 20th time. Is God just a big pushover to forgive us every time? Then Aslan and Edmund and Narnia popped in my head. (Thank you, Lord, for using Disney movies to slap me upside the head. Seriously.)
I pictured Edmund's face when he realized that he was caught in betrayal over "sweeties", that death itself was the consequence. He could not make any excuses- he was stuck, ashamed and embarrassed. I remembered the look on Aslan's face when he regarded Edmund: no anger or condescension to be found. He came out of the tent after debating with the white witch and his expression showed love, sadness, and resolution.
He didn't scold Edmund. He didn't correct him. They both were well aware of what had been done, of who had done the betraying, and what the cost was. Yet without any hesitation, the deal was struck to trade a spotless life for his. For EDMUND! For the snarky little boy I don't like who gave up his whole family AND the mighty lion Aslan for Turkish Delight! Seems a little extra generous when you look at it that way. However, the boyfriend is correct- C.S. Lewis intends the story to symbolize a greater one.
How many times have I sinned and been declared guilty by the accuser in front of the throne of God? How many times have I been seduced by cookies and gotten a tummy ache? How often has satan had the right to bind me and throw me in the pit, based on the law of sin and death? Perhaps that is why Edmund gets under my skin so much- he and I, we're the same. I want him to be better, to do better, to not be so stupid! These are things I think to myself as well when I choose poorly.
Yet when I come before my Lord, God/Jesus/Aslan regards me...I'm found fully guilty, completely ashamed of messing up again, without an excuse, unable to blame another...and his face is full of love, sadness, and resolution. He beholds the state I'm in and roars "it is FINISHED!" Let us rejoice.
John 3:17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but the the world might be saved through Him."
