And Now, A Word from Our Sponsor
Here’s where C.S. Lewis steps in to rock our world. After Aslan’s resurrection, he speaks to both girls about their need to help those in trouble. His words of instruction have something to say to us about Small Groups and the Susan’s in our world. And about the Lucy’s too.
“And now,” said Aslan presently, “to business.”
“We have a long journey to go. You must ride on me.” And he crouched down and the children climbed on to his warm, golden back, and Susan sat first, holding on tightly to his mane and Lucy sat behind holding on tightly to Susan. And with a great heave he rose underneath them and then shot off, faster than any horse could go, down hill and into the thick of the forest.
The important question is, who does Aslan let onto his back first? Who’s right next to the King? Who’s closest? Who has the privilege of holding onto his golden mane?
Susan. Yes, Susan. Of all people, Susan. Susan the less spiritual. Susan the selfish. Susan the obtuse.
And where does that put Lucy? Behind Susan. But it gets worse. Lucy can’t touch or hold onto Aslan, so she’s forced to hold onto Susan.
Don’t feel bad if you missed this. You’re not alone. I’ve lost count at the number of times that I overlooked it. Almost every painting, illustration, and movie also misses it. And just in case you think I’ve lost my mind, check out this video from the recent Walt Disney version and see who’s put on Aslan’s back first.
If I was Lucy, I’d get upset and start pouting about Susan getting preferential treatment over me. Why did she get the upgrade to First Class? She didn’t even call out “Shotgun” to get dibs on the front seat.
Then I’d start pummeling Aslan with questions. “Hey Aslan, what gives? I’ve been closer to you for a long while. Don’t I deserve to be right next to you? Haven’t I earned the right to be upfront? Hasn’t my devotion meant anything to you? And I bet my faithful, Small Group attendance is a whole lot more than hers.”
Assigned Seating
But this is exactly where Aslan wants both Susan and Lucy. He wants to draw Susan close to himself. And he needs Lucy behind her. Supporting her. Encouraging her.
I’m sure Lucy had many second thoughts about Susan. I bet she wanted to hold onto Aslan’s golden mane herself. But you have to give this to Lucy: she obeyed and followed Aslan’s word. Lucy even put her arms around Susan. Holding onto Susan as the three of them launched off to save Narnia.
Could that be where God wants you with your Small Group? He wants to bring the Susan’s of your Small Groups closer to Himself. And part of His plan is to use you in their spiritual journey. To guide them. To encourage them. To support them. To be beside them. To hang onto them.
You see, Small Groups are a two-way street. Yes, you’re looking to receive friendship and encouragement. But God is looking for the Susan’s to receive Himself. And you’re part of His plan for them.
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1, NIV)
Could you be the voice, the hands, the feet of God to bring the Susan’s of this world to Himself?
Clive would say yes. And so do I.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
