A Second Conversation with Aslan

This is the second post in my reflections called “Conversations with Aslan,” based on the truth-telling conversations between Aslan and other characters in The Chronicles of Narnia. In Godlike love, Aslan points out the truth of the actions of the children. This second scene comes near the end of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

The background:
During the great battle, Edmund is severely injured. His younger sister Lucy comes with the cordial given to her by Father Christmas which heals injuries. Aslan urges her to use the cordial on Edmund, which she does. Immediately after she pours a drop of the cordial on Edmund, Aslan says the following:

The text:
(The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Chapter XVII, “The Hunting of the White Stag”)

“There are other people wounded,” said Aslan while she was still looking eagerly into Edmund’s pale face and wondering if the cordial would have any result.
“Yes, I know,” said Lucy crossly. “Wait a minute.”
“Daughter of Eve,” said Aslan in a graver voice, “others also are at the point of death. Must more people die for Edmund?”
“I’m sorry, Aslan,’ said Lucy getting up and going with him. And for the next half hour they were busy [...] When at last she was free to come back to Edmund she found him standing on his feet and not only healed of his wounds but looking better than she had seen him look – oh, for ages....

Reflection:
C.S. Lewis reminds his readers of the greater need which must be realized rather than recognizing only one’s personal priorities. Lucy wanted to stay by her brother until she was sure that he was healed. This is quite understandable. When Aslan reminded her of the responsibility given to her as the owner of the cordial, however, she replied “crossly” that Aslan should wait for her. She had mistaken her priorities, putting her understanding before Aslan's. How often are we tempted to tell God what is best? How often do we take our God-given talents and bury them in the ground rather than multiplying their value? Aslan had to remind Lucy of the severity of death which the others would face if she did not act immediately. She’s already helped her brother, now she must help others.

This requires acting in faithfulness. Lucy gave the healing cordial to her brother, and before she could see the results, Aslan was whisking her away to heal others. She wanted to wait around and see if the cordial would truly heal him. Lucy was living in the past -- waiting to see the results of something already accomplished, while Aslan was calling her to live in the present. Lucy not only had to believe that the cordial healed, but also she had to act appropriately by using it on others. What use would it be if she believed it healed but did nothing about it? About the same as if it did heal but she didn’t use it. When God calls us to a task, we must complete it whole heartedly, expecting the results which He promised.

Sure enough, after Lucy had used her cordial to heal many others, she returned to Edmund. Aslan had also acted faithfully, doing as he had promised. Edmund was healed, and not only that, but he was better than before. God gives us more than we can ask or imagine.