‘Course He Isn’t Safe!

Friends,

There’s a scene I love from C.S. Lewis’ story, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Just after the children enter the magical world of Narnia, a family of beavers gives them shelter from the cold along with a hot meal. During their visit, Mr. Beaver mentions Aslan, the King.

“Is—is he a man?” asked Lucy.
“Aslan a man!” Mr. Beaver said sternly. “Certainly not. I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea. Don’t you know who is the King of Beasts? 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.”
“That you will, dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver; “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”
“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.
“Safe?” said Mr Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

There was a moment in last Sunday’s message in Harvest where I said the following: “The Lamb of God is also the Lion of Judah.” It’s funny, as this thought came out of my mouth, the very image I had was this scene from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. God is good, make no mistake about that. But…

Last Sunday? We learned that Jesus roared, as well.

Just as Jesus chased sin out of the temple in Matthew 21:12-14, we should also remember that Jesus wants to do the same within His temple today. And where’s the temple? If you are a believer and have given your life to Him, it’s within you. It’s within me! Amazing, right? So, as living temples where Christ resides, we must daily remember that He desires to clean house in our lives. He wants to wipe away the sin and sweep up the mess. What’s standing between us and the cleaning? Just opening the door daily and inviting Him in to do the work. Remember, He stands at the door and knocks and, greater, His desire is that we open the door and let Him in. And when He comes in? He joins grace at our tables (see Revelation 3:20).

Sunday, we’re wrapping up the series with a message from Genesis 22:1-18 titled, Laying It on the Table. On this last Sunday before we begin the Advent season, let’s look at sacrifice. I can’t wait to share this one with you all. See you Sunday!