I have never been into Clive Staples Lewis’ writings, but with The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe film coming out soon, I wanted to get the books read before I watched the movie. I’m nearly at the end of The Magician’s Nephew, and I came across a quote that I find just outstanding.
“The fruit always works – it must work – but it does not work happily for any who pluck it at their own will.” – Aslan
Now, anyone knows that Lewis used a ton of Christian imagery in his books, especially the Chronicles. I believe Aslan is obviously an allegory for Jesus Christ, Narnia is either Heaven or a New Earth (or the Garden of Eden – Aslan calls humans sons of Adam or daughters of Eve, for crying out loud), and the creation of Narnia was a wonderful allegory for the Creation of the world (which also greatly resembles Tolkein’s story of creation in his Silmarillion). But the nuances in the books are so subtle, yet so distinct. The quote above is one example. The fruit referenced is an apple-type fruit that would give youth and healing to the one who eats it. This fruit was good – it was created by Aslan himself. But there were warnings with the fruit, warnings that if used in the wrong way, the fruit would produce very bad things. It would give the eater what they wanted, but with it would come eternal despair. How can something created for good have a potential for evil? It all depends on what we do with it.
I was immediately reminded of following God’s will. Have you ever felt that God was showing you a glimpse into His plan for your life, but was telling you clearly that now is not the time to carry out that piece of the plan? He has often given this to me, because I ask for it, and then tells me “But you must be patient.” There is much truth in what Aslan said above. When we run ahead of God, even if it’s in His plan, it suddenly becomes *our* plan, and not *His* plan. I’m also reminded of the phrase “the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing”. Well, apparently C.S. Lewis felt the same way.
Let’s be excited to know God’s plan for our lives, but let’s also be cautious to listen to His word and wait on His timing. Let Him right your story, and you know it will be the greatest story ever told.
-j
I'm Jason, and I like to write.
Hmmm… isn’t CS the best fiction writer ever??? He’s my literary hero… In my story I want that same subtle symbolism, but I don’t want to be copying on Lewis’ style, y’know? I decided that instead of limiting Christ to one figure, I will make Him many. I’m using stories from the Bible as well- three in particular- Shadrach, meshach, and abednigo, David and goliath, and Elijah and the still small voice. i so exited for this. I want my work to be a worship of God, and to make people think on His marvelous creation when they read my story.
The only problem is, I don’t want to copy Lewis too much… I want to be origional as possible, while still retaining the Biblical integrety that Lewis possesed.
How great is our God!
The Chronicles of Narnia is one of my most favourite series of books. They are AMAZING. I’m sooo excited for the movie to come out! The trailers I’ve watched on http://www.narniaweb.com just drive me to insanity with wanting to see it!!
Rob, I wanttttt to read your book!!!!!!
Amen, Cousin Jason:) You are so right!! Robbo, is that Robnificent, my brother??
By the way, I love that The Gr8 Jayzilla……..ha ha:)
Robbo is indeed robnificent.
I miss my Jenny.