I remember picking up C.S. Lewis’s "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe"as a mandatory school reading assignment in fifth grade. The story follows the adventures of four children who discover an Enchanted world called Narnia. What I’ve learned since that fifth grade summer reading assignment is the complexity of the story and brilliance of C.S. Lewis in his writing.
The novel in its entirety is an allegory alluding to Christ and redemption; the lion, Aslan, symbolizing Christ and the White Witch symbolizing the devil. Aslan rules as the King of Narnia and embodies the essence of love, justice and mercy. His actions reflect the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross and the love he shows us daily.
One of the most impactful passages of the story occurs during a conversation between the youngest child, Lucy, and Mr. Beaver.
“‘Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion.’
‘Ooh’ said Susan. ‘I'd thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion...’
‘Safe?’ said Mr Beaver … ’Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.’
He is not safe, but He’s good. This resonates in my heart as it illustrates that God’s love is not safe, but we can trust Him because we know that He is good.
Christ’s love is wild and reckless. It is overflowing, enduring and never ending. But why is it that we characterize God’s love as reckless?
During Jesus’s time on earth, he pursues those who reject Him, loves those who hate Him and serves those who never acknowledge Him. This love seems confusing and irrational, why would Jesus chase someone who does not want to be chased? His love is reckless in that he acts so selflessly. He doesn’t care if he gets hurt in the process.
We are called to love like Christ loves us, with reckless abandon not caring about the consequences or the aftermath. We are called to walk on treacherous ground in His love knowing He will never let us fall. He works for the good of those who love Him.
His love is not safe but He is always good.
