Defender of Truth
He has not dealt with us according to our sins.
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities
Psalm 103:10 NASB
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, written by C.S. Lewis and made into a movie, is one of my most favorite films. Written as an allegory about the battle between good and evil, of God and the evil one, C.S. Lewis beautifully describes the Christ figure represented by Azlan, the lion. In a poignant scene, Azlan gives himself over to the witch in payment for the betrayal of Edmund towards his brother and sisters. He allows himself to be bound by heavy ropes, his mane shaved, and be mocked mercilessly by the witch’s minions. Then the scene comes that always takes my breath away. The witch, has not only physically humiliated him and tied him to the stone table, but then whispers into Azlan’s ears that his sacrifice means nothing. No one is being saved. She cuts to the deepest core that this act of love is foolish. She is an accuser, mocker, and we know eventually, a liar.
I watch that scene with the full awareness that the evil one has whispered to me in times of great pain and regret. When I have failed or fallen short of the person I so desperately want to be, he very cleverly whispers, “See, you are nothing.” “Who do you think you are?”, “You are done.” I sit in defeat and discouragement. I only hear his accusations and his lies, though they do not feel like lies. The words feel like the truth.
Azlan lies on the stone table, seemingly defeated while the witch thrusts a dagger into his heart, believing she was won. The people of Narnia grieve and are heart-broken until....
This story is a beautiful depiction of Jesus, who also sat before the Father in pain and despair, pleading for the Father to change the plan - change Jesus’ purpose to give it all in a few short hours. I imagine the evil one, mocking Him while He prays to the Father. Telling Him that His sacrifice will accomplish nothing and that the love He has for the world will be in vain. I don’t know what He heard from the Father that caused Him to silence the accusations and with Love unimaginable go obediently to the cross. I don’t know if God seemed silent. I don’t know if He was overtaken by His Love. All I know is that Jesus rejected the lies and set His face towards Calvary.
The next morning, we see the stone table broken and Azlan missing. He reappears, whole, alive, and powerful. The story reminds us that lies are just that – lies. Truth defeats lies, no matter how loudly the lies are shouted into our ears.
Jesus tells us in John 14 that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (vs. 6). He is Truth and He tells us the Truth. He tells us the truth about our past, present, and future. He is the only way to defeat the lies of the enemy and the lies we tell ourselves. Like a skilled attorney, He is our defender against the court of condemnation and accusation.
When we believe we are betrayers like Peter, Jesus tells us we are the Rock.
When we are the woman caught in sin, Jesus tells us we are not judged and to sin no more.
When we run away and waste our father’s inheritance, Jesus runs to us and throws a party for our prodigal hearts.
When we run and feel all hope is lost, Jesus unleashes His power upon us and builds His Church.
God is our defender and tells us who we are. Cling to His words about you. Listen to His voice through His word so closely that His words silence the words of the accuser. Let His truth cover you, defend you and love you.
He is all the truth you need.
Mary Quillin is a city-girl-turned-country-girl in her new life in North Dakota. She has been married to her hubby for 16 years and has 3 wonderfully, different kids who have begun their teen years (and she would appreciate all the prayers as possible on that note). After many years in full time ministry, Mary is learning how to show up and daily discover the journey of being available for whatever Jesus leads her to. She spends her days trying to build a welcoming shabby chic home in the heartland of North Dakota while learning to write and run.