At the name of Aslan each one of the children
felt something jump in its inside.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
With just the mention of the name of Aslan, the children feel
a strange sensation from within. Most of them felt a sense of
hope breathed into them. Peter is described as feeling bold and
courageous, Susan as if charmed by a wonderful song, and Lucy
with a sense of excitement.
Only Edmund is described as feeling a mysterious horror inside.
Something inside of these children is ignited in hearing the name
of Aslan. For Peter, Susan and Lucy it is hope, excitement, and
courage that spring up whereas for Edmund, it is fear that rises in
his heart.
For the children it is as if this name, Aslan, is able to reveal their
heart’s thoughts and attitudes and either bring a warm message of
hope to them or a pang of fear—depending on whether they stand
on the side of good or evil.
Many times when we are faced with the truth, our conscience will
either feel a peace (because we are right with God) or a strange
conviction that may bring fear and discomfort. Edmund felt
discomfort and horror.
Aslan is drawing nearer, and with his return will come spring. An
old rhyme is recited to the children that tells them of his return:
Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.
Soon Edmund’s heart will be revealed and the Witch’s plans
foiled. Edmund can feel this but he chooses to ignore the pang
in his heart. The other children find themselves in the midst of
an adventure and are given hope and courage to accomplish their
purpose and destiny. They align themselves with the right path.
For us, we are told by the ancient scriptures that the Messiah is
coming back and on his return he will dwell with us, will wipe
every tear from our eyes, and will abolish death and mourning and
pain (Revelation 21:3-4). This truth brings us hope and give us the
courage to fulfill our part in his great plan. May we listen to the
Voice or pang in our heart when we feel a strange sensation within,
beckoning us to align ourselves with God’s ways and truth.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper
than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges
the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in
all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything
is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to
whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)
And we have the word of the prophets made more
certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as
to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns
and the morning star rises in your hearts. – 2 Peter
1:19 (NIV)
