On Aslan and the reading of many books – “going forward” I’ll (hopefully) be buying fewer and reading more books. This sounds somewhat contradictory. But it makes sense in my personal situation. I am that classic Bookworm. Yet over the years my focus has changed. I need to rethink my strategy.
New Age, Eschatology etc
When I was in the New Age I bought New Age books. When I left the New Age, I bought books on eschatology. I spent years poring over them. These eventually had to make way for other books on theology. Soon I was running out of space, so we had to buy a house with a study-library (almost true).
On eschatology: I recall a funny story (perhaps not so funny). At one time we had unbelievers sitting in this study-library where I’m writing. One lady happened to glance at a book on the rapture. From the reported comments I can guess what kind of stereotyping was being reinforced. I recall thinking it was a pity she didn’t see those on Christology and Christian Apologetics. Might they have triggered profound questions?
Remembering Aslan
Eschatology is important, even though people have different views. It reveals God’s Great Plan. However there are other (may I say even more?) important studies we (meaning me) can easily and often neglect.
At the end of C. S. Lewis’ Narnia Chronicles’ The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, two of the children are told by Aslan (a Christ figure) that they would never visit Narnia again. Lucy Pevensie is distraught. She tells Aslan that her consternation isn’t about Narnia. It is all about missing Aslan.
When I discovered The Chronicles as a teenager, it was the Christ figure Aslan which brought me the greatest joy. I loved Narnia, yet I loved Aslan even more. As much as I loved (and still do) Tolkien’s books, he didn’t have an Aslan. I want to retain Lucy’s (and my initial) passion. I worry that in the cares of this world, I may be becoming more like her sister Susan. Am I losing my first love?
Doxology, Christology, the Trinity
Lucy and Edmund Pevensie were sent back to this world where they had to learn who Aslan really was. In this world He has another name – Jesus Christ the Son of God I think this is the closest Lewis ever went in the Chronicles to linking Aslan with Jesus Christ.
Though I’ll be buying fewer books on eschatology, I haven’t lost my passion for end-times. It’s more a matter of focus and priority. Your case may be different. I want and need to read more about Christ, the nature of The Trinity and the attributes of God. In delving into these deep truths and mysteries, I hope to love Him more, and to be able to express that love in worship.
For example, Vern Poythress’ (700 Page) The Mystery of the Trinity: A Trinitarian Approach to the Attributes of God will challenge me, even if it was written so a layman can understand. Aside from that daunting tome, there are others which were bought, placed on the shelf collecting dust, and need attention. And then there are books I’ve read and marked up which need to be re-read to remind me of what I too easily forget.
Note: This doesn’t mean I won’t buy any new books. Just ask my wife about that.
Biographies, Devotions, Burnout etc
Burnout for me is an issue. Everyone is different. Keep it simple when you’re simple. Don’t do too much, Alf. Do, do the reading which brings joy. This means getting back to Spurgeon’s devotionals, the Psalms and reading encouraging biographies of saints from the past.
Over the last year or so I read and re-read, and will continue to read, Ian Hamilton’s The Gospel-Shaped Life, and The Faith-Shaped Life. I plan to continue to do this because, while they’re short books, they’re packed with doxology, wisdom, theology and pastoral care. I recommend Hamilton to everyone.
The same can be said of re-reading the book, Developing a Healthy Prayer Life. The Appendix (31 Marks of True Prayer) alone is worth the small price of the book.
Our Last Battle
Speaking of Lewis’ Chronicles… The Last Battle was Narnia’s End-Times final installment. At time of writing (end of 2020) something palpably wicked is happening all over the world. When people who normally scoff at prophecy begin asking questions you know something might be afoot.
But whether this planet is nearing its Last Battle or not death is always imminent. Recently Tim Challies’ twenty year old son was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord. And in the next week so was William Watson (Dispensationalism Before Darby). We can be here one moment and gone the next.
Am I ready to meet the Lord now? Are you? I’m going to re-read John MacArthur’s Christ’s Call to Reform the Church. If Christ were to write a letter to us right now, what would He say? One final book on my list to read again (and again) is John Murray’s O Death Where is Thy Sting? – For obvious reasons.
Do I love the Lord? Am I ready to meet Him right now? These and other questions are shaping my future reading.
A Prayer of Thanks,
Thank you, Lord, for those who write books that point us to you and to your Word. Amen!
“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Cor 15:55-57
Maranatha!
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