From the end of 2016 into 2017, I was blessed with the opportunity to be in the cast of The Academy of Arts Ministries / The Logos Theater’s premiere stage production of C.S. Lewis’s timeless classic, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. This gripping tale of expectation, faith, and courage resonated deeply within me—encouraging me in my walk with the Lord through various stages of my life—from reading it as a child to watching it on screen as an adolescent, and finally, performing it as an adult.
For those unfamiliar with the plot, Prince Caspian mirrors a Hamlet-esque journey of a young prince navigating faith and hope after the murder of his father by his treacherous and power-hungry uncle. Caspian’s quest to restore the fallen kingdom of Narnia beckons the aid of the four Pevensie children, heroes from Narnia's golden age (in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe).
As the proposition to resurrect the White Witch is presented to Caspian, the palpable despair and panic in Edmund is unmistakable. The young actor portraying Edmund immediately moves to stand up and rush out in objection to the plan, only to be held back by his brother, High King Peter. Every performance I would stand in the wings watching the brothers and I couldn't help but reflect on how frequently the enemy tries to convince us that our greatest sins and deepest failures will forever haunt us.
Edmund, who once betrayed his family and succumbed to dark temptations in pursuit of greed and power, was rescued by the grace of Aslan, who in His benevolent power and kindness sacrificed his life in Edmund’s place. Yet, Edmund finds himself, a year later, feeling the specter of his past mistakes looming ominously close.
But this is a lie. Though the temptation of our sins may try to sneak back in, the truth remains that even in the attempt to resurrect the White Witch, Aslan has already triumphed over her, and the redeemed Edmund could and would stand against her again. He knows this truth. Yet, in that moment on stage, the weight of whether he could truly be free of his past failures is powerfully felt.
The two young men who portrayed these roles during our 2016-2017 premiere run shared a poignant brotherly moment. With just a look and subtle body language, Peter attempted to comfort and encourage Edmund in the face of this sudden reminder and threat from the enemy.
Watching from the wings, I witnessed the raw emotion of Edmund’s darkest fears. The enemy's whispers, like a relentless tide, sought to drown him in despair, convincing him that redemption was but a fleeting hope.
Friends, take heart in this truth: the enemy's lies hold no power over us. In Jesus, we find ultimate redemption, a redemption that transcends our past, present, and future sins. Our failures do not bind us; they serve as testaments to the boundless grace of our Savior.
As we journey through life's trials, let us stand firm like Edmund, knowing “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Let us be like Peter, offering encouragement and support to those facing their struggles—past and future. Together, let us embrace the truth that in Christ, we are conquerors of sin and victors over darkness.
I am deeply grateful to the Lord for granting me the opportunity to witness this pivotal moment portrayed on stage, repeated show after show for almost four months. Even now, I find myself in need of this powerful reminder. Embracing redemption and standing firm in faith, we are empowered to overcome our past failures and find freedom from the enemy's lies, this is what our Heavenly Father wants for us.
I was inspired to share this lesson with you as the incredible team from Logos Theatre is on tour with Prince Caspian at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. from March 1 - April 27, 2024. You do not want to miss this show! Let this powerful production serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness amidst all trials, and may our hearts be filled with the assurance that we serve a perfect God, capable of redemption even in our darkest moments. |
since you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 6:14