I probably read C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia to my two sons at least 3 or 4 times as they were growing up! A lot of their good theology came compliments of C.S. Lewis!
The quote above is one of my all time favorites from the books because it captures so well the blend of love and fear that healthy intimacy with God creates in us. In fact, the blend of intimacy with reverent fear is a common theme in the Chronicles. At some points in the stories C.S. Lewis describes intimacy with Aslan in remarkably tender terms with Aslan embracing, playing with, breathing on, romping with various characters in the story. In other places, Lewis describes the awesomeness of Aslan in breathtakingly powerful terms: Aslan's earthshaking roar (many places), Aslan's infinite power (many places), even Aslan's claws stripping Eustace of his dragon skin (Voyage of the Dawn Treader) and inflicting wounds on Aravis (The Horse and His Boy), etc.
As I view the church these days, I find myself often longing for that healthy balance of simultaneously living loved and in reverent fear. I know that true intimacy with Papa always increases one's reverence for Him, yet I see some who seem to advocate a casual familiarity with the God of the Universe.
How can this be? Yes, Father invites us in Jesus never to fear Him in the sense of fearing punishment or rejection, but never does He cease being God. Our Abba is also God Almighty, infinite in power, worthy of all honor, GOD! And when He shows up in Scripture He often creates such awe that people immediately go face down, losing all ability to stand, to speak, to do anything other than tremble. Perhaps that is why "Mr. grace" himself, the Apostle Paul wrote late in his life, that we are to work out our salvation "with fear and trembling." Perhaps, too, that is why Peter admonishes us to live our lives here as strangers in "reverent fear." (1 Peter 1:17) Perhaps, too, that is why even in eternity, fearing God is part of our life forever: "Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." "Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear Him, both small and great!" (Revelation 15:4 and 19:5).
Dear ones, God's love for us, His invitation to intimacy with Him, is not an invitation to casual familiarity. He is good, yes, He is infinitely good and merciful and kind and loving. But He is not safe! He is not to be treated with casual familiarity. Indeed, every great awakening in history has as part of its inception a renewal of a healthy fear of the Lord. I cannot imagine that this next great awakening will be any different.
"If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared." (Psalm 130:3-4 NIV).
For more thoughts on this, check out this link to an Elijah list article by Bobby Conner. I think Bobby nails it! Intimacy is not familiarity! Aslan's roar of love is still a roar!
Restore to us, O Mighty God, love touched with reverent, healthy fear!
Tom, one of Abba's little boys
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