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Reepicheep 🐀

In the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the third instalment of CS Lewis’  Chronicles of Narnia series we meet a brave rat named Reepicheep.

The crew of the Dawn treader (a sail boat) are headed across uncharted waters to the east, towards Aslan’s country, the promise land. It is a dangerous journey filled with temptations, monsters and perils along the way.

And as they reach a particular moment of hopelessness in their journey, and they are doubting whether they can continue on with the journey, we are met with these brave words from the fighting rat Reepicheep:

“My own plans are made. While I can, I sail east in the Dawn Treader. When she fails me, I paddle east in my coracle (rowboat). When she sinks, I shall swim east with my four paws. And when I can swim no longer, if I have not reached Aslan’s country, or shot over the edge of the world in some vast cataract (waterfall), I shall sink with my nose to the sunrise.”

These words inspire the crew, and onward they go, facing every hurdle they can until they finally reach Aslan’s country.

The beautiful land of their King, and where they can come to rest.

Now for those of you who may be unfamiliar with the story of Narnia, Aslan is symbolic of Jesus, and thus Aslan’s country is symbolic of heaven. 

With this in mind, the words of Reepicheep ring all the more powerful. The sole focus of his journey (symbolic of life’s journey) is to reach his goal, of entering the presence of Aslan, of reaching Him. And he will do everything he can to reach it.

If not by sailboat, by rowboat, and if not that, by swimming. And if if that too shall fail him, he shall die with his face toward glory.

So many distractions

I think as Western Christians, it is very easy to forget the focus of our life. We become distracted with life. Not bad things, but good things we are distracted by: 

• Raising Children

• Date nights with our partner 

• Social events

• Buying a house

• Renovating a house

• And so on. 

These are all wonderful good ways to spend our time, and thank goodness that God has given them to us. But are they our purpose, our sole focus?

I think not.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be like Reepicheep. 

Face toward glory

I want to know that I am on a journey towards Aslan’s country, and I want to give everything I have to reach it.

So my encouragement for you this week is to stay focused on the prize. Life is busy. Filled with so many good things. 

Remember to stay focused on what matters.

That whether by sailboat, rowboat, swimming or sinking – you may set your face to the east, and obtain the joy set before you.

Until next week,

Be Blessed,

Aaron

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