But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

About every 5 years or so, I read/listen to the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.  I’m almost finished with The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.  I don’t know why, but as I listened to it this time, I had such a dislike for Edmund.  He is anantagonist, though the White Witch is the antagonist.  When Lucy gets in Narnia through the wardrobe for the first time and comes back, of course nobody believes that she went.

Edmund eventually gets in, too.  He even meets Lucy there.  When they get back, Lucy says to everyone, “It is real!  Edmund has now been there, too!”  Unfortunately, for Lucy, Edmund makes fun of her and pretends that they were only playing pretend.  

While in Narnia, Edmund manages to fall under the Witch’s control by eating her food, attempts to bring the others to the Witch, and attempts to lead them away from the very ones who can help them and have their best interests in mind.  

As the story was progressing, I found myself despising Edmund.  When he finally realizes what he’s done, he realizes that he belongs to the White Witch.  The witch reminds Aslan that she is entitled to a kill when anyone commits treachery. Aslan negotiates his own life for the life of Edmund.

I don’t know if you’ve ever read the book, but the depiction of Aslan being killed is very moving when one thinks of Christ on the cross and how all that went down.  I found myself crying out of sheer thankfulness because I realize once again . . . I’m Edmund in the story.

I’ve committed treachery.  Yes, I committed sins before I knew there was a Christ who died for those sins.  But the absolute worst part is that I would go on to commit even worse sins after I gave my life to Him.  I would treat my Lord like He was optional.  I would do so many things that I knew the Bible said not to do.  Genesis 4:7 says “(sin) desires to have you,” and it had me.  

What does a person do who realizes this?

Fall at His feet and receive His mercy, His forgiveness, and His grace.

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were sinners, Christ died for us.

Lord, I could never repay You the tiniest fraction of the price You paid.  I sit here so thankful for what You did for me.  Help me spend the rest of my life teaching people about You.  Use me and the talents You have given me to draw people to You.  I do not want to stand before You and accuse You of being a harsh master and using that as an excuse to hide the talents You have given me.  I do not want to be called a wicked and lazy servant.  Thank You for showing me that I’m Edmund.  Bless me this Day, Lord, with power to live my life and shine my light for You.  Amen!