Narnia: The Wardrobe's Opportunity Series

We have such low expectations of ourselves. We wallow in self-pity and self-deprecation. God has such high expectations for us. He has such incredible plans for us…and they are not because we are worthy, but because we are loved. His plans for us include us to be knighted as royalty. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

After the witch had been defeated there was a great ceremony in the castle Cair Paravel—that wonderful hall with the ivory roof and the west door all hung with peacock’s feathers and the eastern door which opens right onto the sea, in the presence of all their friends and to the sound of trumpets, Aslan solemnly crowned them and led them onto the four thrones amid deafening shouts of ‘Long Live King Peter! Long Live Queen Susan! Long Live King Edmund! Long Live Queen Lucy!’ ‘Once a king or queen in Narnia, always a king or queen. Bear it well, Sons of Adam! Bear it well daughters of Eve!’ said Aslan. (Chapter 17)

Peter was known as King Peter the Magnificent; Susan as Queen Susan the gentle; Edmund as King Edmund the Just; and Lucy as Queen Lucy the Valiant. They received the crown from the King of Kings! They had the incredible opportunity to reign with Aslan and for Aslan! Because we have such low expectations of ourselves, we can’t conceive of ourselves as royalty.

I had the weirdest experience recently on a mission trip to El Salvador. As the four of us step through the door for an adventure and sought to do God’s will, we were treated like royalty. It was humbling. It is hard for me to think of myself that way. But listen to God’s Word… 2 Tim. 4:8 (NIV) Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

After Peter’s first battle and defeat of a wolf, we have this account, “Peter still out of breath, turned and saw Aslan close at hand. ‘You have forgotten to clean your sword,’ said Aslan. It was true. Peter blushed when he looked at the bright blade and saw it smeared with the Wolf’s hair and blood. He stooped down and wiped it quite clean on the grass, and then wiped it quite dry on his coat. ‘Hand it to me and kneel, Son of Adam,’ said Aslan. And when Peter had done so he struck him with the flat of the blade and said, ‘Rise up, Sir Peter Fenris-Bane. And, whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword.’”

Rev. 20:6 (NIV) Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

Conclusion: Nicole Nordeman’s new song, “I will Believe” has this as it’s opening line… “We were meant to open doors. We were went meant to face the dangers. Never knowing what’s in store. Never having met a stranger.”