“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”was a big hit movie a few years ago.  Based on the book by C.S. Lewis, the story is an allegory of the Christian faith.  In fact, C.S. Lewis wrote a series of books (7 in all) on these Chronicles of Narnia.  I highly recommend them for family reading!

The third book in the series is entitled, “The Horse and His Boy”.  In this book, a runaway boy named Shasta is trying to find his true identity.  After being chased by lions, a scary adventure in the tombs and a long ride across the desert, Shasta finds himself lost on a narrow mountain path in the middle of the night.  Riding along on his horse, Shasta relives his past days of horror.”  I must be the most unfortunate boy that ever lived in the whole world,” says Shasta to himself.  To make matters worse, Shasta slowly comes to believe there is something walking beside him.  He can’t see anything, but he feels warm breath and movement.  More frightened than ever, Shasta considers his options and finally decides to speak.  “Who are you?” he asks.  “One who has waited long for you to speak.  Tell me your sorrows,” answers the Thing.  As Shasta pours out his heart, he is shocked to find out that the Thing has been his companion through all of his adventures.  In fact, the Thing has caused to happen the good events and some of the bad events.  The Thing has a very intimate connection to him.  It challenges him and comforts him and protects him and drives him on toward his self-discovery.  The Thing turns out to be Aslan – the great god-lion. On May 31 we celebrate Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit.  This is the way our God provides for us.  Long after Jesus has ascended into heaven, the Spirit of God walks the narrow path of life with each one of us.  In the dark, we could lose our footing and tumble into a chasm of trouble.  But the Spirit of God guides us.  Faced with dangerous temptations we could succumb to a living hell.  But the Spirit of God protects us.  The decisions of life could get overwhelming and immobilize us.  But the Spirit of God challenges us to grow and to think and to get active. We could become complacent about our faith; we could think we get along just fine without God.  But the Spirit of God breathes its warm breath on us, reminding us that God is present.

 When Shasta felt the full presence of Aslan, his fear turned into fear.  He was awe-struck by the powerful presence of this lion who walked with him.  The season of Pentecost will last for 6 months.  May you never get accustomed to the presence of the Spirit so that you will walk with awe.  Yet, may you never forget the presence of the Spirit so that you will walk with faith.Blessed Pentecost! See you in church! Pastor Marcia