Read Hebrews 9:24-28

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NLT).

I have always been captivated by the works of C.S. Lewis, not only for his imaginative storytelling but also for his profound personal journey. Lewis, once a staunch atheist, experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity, becoming one of the most influential Christian thinkers of the 20th century. His journey from atheism to faith is beautifully chronicled in his autobiography, Surprised by Joy. Lewis described himself as “the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England,” yet his eventual surrender to God transformed him into a powerful Christian apologist and author.

A significant influence on Lewis’s conversion and literary career was his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien. Both were members of the Inklings, a literary discussion group at Oxford. Tolkien, a devout Catholic, played a crucial role in Lewis’s journey to faith. Their shared love for storytelling and deep discussions about faith and literature created a strong bond between them. Tolkien encouraged Lewis to write the kinds of stories they both enjoyed but found lacking in contemporary literature. This mutual encouragement led to Lewis writing The Chronicles of Narnia.

Interestingly, the inspiration for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe came to Lewis as a mental image of a faun carrying an umbrella and parcels in a snowy wood. This image grew into a story that combined elements of Christian theology with mythological and fantastical elements. While Tolkien admired Lewis’s intellect, he had reservations about The Chronicles of Narnia, particularly its blending of various mythologies and its allegorical nature, which differed from Tolkien’s approach to fantasy.

Despite these creative tensions, Lewis’s ability to distill complex theological truths into stories that even children could understand set him apart. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a profound example of this gift. The story follows the Pevensie siblings who discover the magical land of Narnia, under the spell of the White Witch. At the heart of this tale is Edmund, whose betrayal of his family serves as a poignant reminder of our own human frailty and need for redemption.

Edmund’s betrayal is a gradual process, born out of jealousy, greed, and a desire for power. Lured by the White Witch’s promises of Turkish Delight and the prospect of becoming a prince, Edmund chooses to align himself with evil. He lies to his siblings about his encounter with the Witch and denies the existence of Narnia to Lucy. His betrayal reaches its peak when he sneaks away from his siblings to join the Witch, revealing crucial information about Aslan and his family’s whereabouts.

The weight of Edmund’s betrayal is palpable. His actions not only endanger his family but also threaten the fate of Narnia itself. Yet, it is through this very act of betrayal that we witness the profound depth of Aslan’s love and sacrifice. The true king of Narnia, Aslan the lion, offers himself in Edmund’s place, mirroring Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

Aslan’s self-sacrifice and subsequent resurrection are powerful allegories of Christ’s atoning sacrifice and victory over death, as described in Hebrews 9:24-28. Just as Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary to offer himself once for all, Aslan’s sacrifice is a one-time act that brings redemption and hope to Narnia. This parallel beautifully illustrates the profound truth of Christ’s ultimate and sufficient sacrifice for our salvation. The cracking of the Stone Table, where Aslan was sacrificed, symbolizes the breaking of the old order and the ushering in of a new era of grace and redemption, much like the tearing of the temple veil at Christ’s crucifixion.

Edmund’s story reminds us that betrayal and sin are not the end. Through Aslan’s sacrifice, Edmund is forgiven and restored, much like how we are redeemed through Christ’s sacrifice. His journey from betrayer to valued member of his family and a king of Narnia illustrates the transformative power of grace and forgiveness.

Lewis’s journey from atheist to Christian apologist, his friendship with Tolkien, and his creation of Narnia all weave together to create a tapestry that reflects the deep truths of our faith. Through story, Lewis invites us to explore the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice in a way that touches both our hearts and minds. In Edmund’s betrayal and redemption, we see our own story reflected, reminding us of our need for grace and the immeasurable love of our Savior.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Christ’s sacrifice provides eternal redemption and transforms even the deepest betrayals.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Help us to live in the light of this truth, to extend forgiveness as we have been forgiven, and to share your transformative love with others. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.