King Caspian endures a stern rebuff by his fellow passengers in this chapter. Caspian desires to go with Reepicheep to see the World's End, but is told, by several voices, he may not. Reepicheep sums up their sentiments well, "You shall not please yourself with adventures as if you were a private person."
There are a couple of things in this statement which chill me.
1) "You shall not please yourself..." It reminds me how often I do live for my self, even if it is so I feel better about myself by doing a perceived selfless act. Do I serve others with a mind of my calling, or do I lean toward my own ambition, desire?
As kings and queens, our time here is not for our personal satisfaction. We are responsible to rule, to serve the citizens of Narnia, the (talking) beasts, the kingdom itself. It is a great responsibility. But one for which we were created.
This isn't to say Caspian (or we) can't have any fun. I believe Caspian has very much enjoyed time with his friends - as we see his sadness at their departure. But his friends also remind him his role, his journey, was to recover lost people. It was never meant to be a pleasure seeking boondoggle.
2) The other part of Reepicheep's reminder - "as if you were a private person" - echoes community for me. I am never meant to be or see myself as a solitary person. I am part of the people of God. We are on a quest. Together. Not a bunch of individuals in the same boat. We, collectively, share an identity - as a particular church (Lakeland) and as part of Christ's church (worldwide). To see my journey as separate from this collective identity is "called deserting" by Rynelf. I think this is why my heart aches when some friends leave the church. It lessens the whole entity. And we are all diminished by their absence.
Caspian's bullheadedness triggers a "meeting" with Aslan. He "speaks" to Caspian, bringing him to his senses. Aslan is described as "terrible", stern when necessary, but all done out of love. He desires Caspian to live into the life for which he was created. This is a marvelous reminder; when I do forget my role, Aslan will redirect me and steer me back.
I can't end this post without including my favorite lines by Aslan, " ... there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there." Yes! Isn't this why we love the Chronicles series? We learn about Aslan, understand his heart toward us. We are drawn to the character there because we see reflections of the Father here.
"But you shall meet me, dear one". May you desire the not tame lion above all else.
