Aslan. Raw sovereignty.
Yesterday I had the privilege (yet stressful task) of personalizing my square on the senior wall. While most people post their high school activities, sports, and involvements on theirs, I went in a different direction. One reason is because I’m not as involved in high school social life as one may think… But anyway. I went ahead and traced the face of majestic Aslan from the Chronicles of Narnia. Before I continue, let me tell you one thing: carbon paper saves lives for those who are artistically challenged.
So, one reason I went with Aslan is because- I mean- it’s Aslan. The friggin’ awesome lion. Secondly, C.S. Lewis is my favorite author. His words of enlightenment amaze me. But more so, I drew his face on my senior square because of what he is depicted as in C.S. Lewis’ series: God of the universe.
A few weeks back, when we had to turn in a rough sketch of what we were going to paint on our square, I pondered why I would want to put Aslan’s face in the midst of bright colors and other seniors’ inside jokes. And the biggest reason that the Spirit pulled in me was that is was a reminder. A reminder of the Lord who lives in me. A reminder that God is sovereign, and that He is with me always. God has a grip on my life, and I take complete comfort in that. Being fulfilled by Christ and his sacrifice motivates me and pushes me to get up every morning, to live for His glory, and His purpose.
So though a lot of high schoolers are going to pass by my senior square without notice, the Lord may rile up the hearts of a few wayward children, such as myself from time to time. A glance upon Aslan’s face may not change someone’s views towards the Lord, but to see the lion’s majestic sovereignty just displays the awesome power that Someone holds above. A symbol of the fact that we aren’t the lords of our lives, Jesus Christ is.
I don’t think my senior square is going to change people’s lives forever. Actually I know so. That job is for the Holy Spirit. But painting Aslan on my senior wall reminded me of the bigger picture. That I am saved by grace. The Lord is good. And I need to spread the word of his grace. I have completely fallen short of the simple task that God has called us as His children: to spread the love of Christ. There are so many times I give up opportunities of sharing the knowledge I have of the greatness of God. But I pray to God that, like painting Aslan on the senior wall, the Lord will continue to urge me to expand His kingdom.
Even in high school, faith makes a difference. I have failed in my capability to let others know the encompassing love of Christ, and to continue to grow. But I will continually pray for that courage which I lack. In Philippians 3, Paul encourages us to seek the Lord, because He is the only thing that lasts. He is all that is good with the world.
“I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (verse 14)
“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the the Lord, dear friends!” Phil 4:1
