Narnia: Good News For Sticky Situations Series

GOOD NEWS FOR STICKY SITUATIONS

-- Pastor Mark Thornton --

Sunday, December 4, 2005

(Note – This is more of an outline than a manuscript – I shared more in the way of content and illustrations than what is printed here. I also want to acknowledge that the inspiration and seed thoughts for this message came from the message “Ten Tasty Tidbits about Turkish Delight” by Pat Cook. Thanks Pat!!)

INTRODUCTION

What was your favorite book or story when you were growing up? (invite comments, or share with person next to you)

* For generations, people have harnessed the Power of Story to express the magic and meaning of Christmas. Last week we took note of the fact that a good Story has the Power to CAPTURE OUR IMAGINATION and STIR US TO ACTION. It can both thrill our spirit and motivate us to respond.

One of the most compelling books ever written was a book of fantasy by author C.S. Lewis, entitled “The Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” This book, along with the 6 other books in the series has entranced readers of all ages for over 50 years – and now it is coming to the Big Screen as a production by Disney and Walden Media.

The exciting part for us as Christians is that the book itself contains many biblical parallels and truths that can help people to understand and know Jesus Christ more deeply. Last week, we began a message series last week based upon the land of Narnia entitled “Capturing the Wonder of Christmas.” I believe that this book (along with the movie) can help each of us to have a greater appreciation and understanding of the miracle of Christmas seen from a different perspective. I also believe that the book and the movie offer us a tremendous opportunity to share Jesus with our neighbors, and as such, we want to assist and empower you to community the Truth behind the story.

Last Sunday, we looked at the similarities between the land of Narnia and the world in which we live. Today, we want to consider one of the primary characters in the book, and the trouble that he gets himself into.

(Note – at this point, I introduced the character of Edmund, his rotten attitude, the way he stumbled into Narnia, his initial impressions, and his encounter with the White Witch. I finished this introduction by describing how the White Witch offered him “Turkish Delight”, thus getting him into a sticky situation.)

When I first read the story as an adult, I was struck by the many similarities that we can find between Turkish Delight and sin/temptation.

MAKING THE CONNECTION – Like Turkish Delight…

1) Sin Often APPEARS VERY APPEALING.

Right off the bat, the White Witch (also referred to as the Queen) asked Edmund a question: WW: “What would you like best to eat?” E: “Turkish Delight, please.” said Edmund… Instantly there appeared a round box… which when opened turned out to contain several pounds of the best Turkish Delight. Each piece was sweet and light to the very centre and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious. (LWW, ch.4)

When the White Witch appeared to Edmund, it was not obvious that she was evil. She wasn’t ugly and repulsive; she was beautiful and elegant (though in a cold and aloof way). She appeared to be attractive and good and caring – she offered him her cloak and something to eat and drink. To gain Edmund’s confidence and lure him in, the White Witch decided to offer him something that he desired more than anything else – Turkish Delight. TD is an ultra-sweet confection that we don’t see very often in North America, but for Edmund, it was heaven.

If you think about it, there are many similarities between this and sin. When sin comes our way in the form of temptation, it doesn’t appear as something ugly, disgusting or repulsive. Wouldn’t that make resisting temptation so much easier… if it came with a sign that said “Beware, I will destroy your life… I will ruin your marriage… I will draw you away from God!!” If that were the case, almost all of us would resist temptation. Instead, it usually comes in a form that is very appealing.

In fact, this is what happened in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. The serpent did not hold up some awful, repulsive fruit to Eve, but one that was very appealing to her.

-- “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” (Genesis 3:6 – NIV)