The Face

Did you see the most recent “Chronicles of Narnia” movie? Some call it an allegory for children—stories where magic, witches, talking animals and whispering trees are led by the brilliant imagination of C.S. Lewis on an incredible journey that relates to the Christian faith. Some say the books are better than the movies, but I personally think the films have done a fair job at being faithful to the original work.

There is a scene near the end of the latest movie (“Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”) where a river foams up, gathers its waves, and you can faintly see a face in the water. Then the water gushes forth, collapsing the bridge where the enemy was crossing, and saving all the wonderful people of Narnia. When watching this scene, I saw the obvious link between the face in the water being God, and him saving his people. It was inspiring, I thought.

Sometime later, my ten year-old brother found out I had seen the movie, and we launched into an animated discussion about each of our favorite parts.

“Remember when the river stopped, and the waves got bigger, and then the water was huge?” Johnathon asked, his eyes sparkling.

I nodded.

“Well, did you know…” he continued, and then paused for effect. “That was really God.”

I know, I answered. He continued, unfazed by my response. “That was God’s face in the water” he repeated, with a sense of astonished reverence.

Suddenly, it hit me.

Had I really known it was God in the water? It didn’t amaze me. It hadn’t made me stop in awe. Somehow Johnathon had become wrapped up in the heart of the story, while I had merely stopped at an inspirational feeling. I had known it was God’s face. Allegory. Symbolism. Got it.

But God?! The Savior of the world, the lover of my soul. The roaring lion, and the bleeding hands on the cross. He was there, in the very midst of the battle, and used the most powerful force on earth to crumble the enemy and save the lost.
To crush my enemy and resurrect my life.

That wasn’t just water—it was the face of God! I’m not just catching a break. It is the grace of Jesus falling around me. I’m not just surrounded by safety. It’s the arms of Christ that refuse to ever let me escape. That email from a friend, was an “I love you” from my Father. The tears from yesterday’s fight were forgiveness from Jehovah. The song on the radio was a hug from God.
I want to see things for what they really are.

And after I see them, after I see Him, I want to be awestruck.