Christ In the New Year
A great book by C.S. Lewis called The Great Divorce contains a scene involving a red lizard. In this scene, there is a host (a visitor from hell) who has a little red lizard on his shoulder. This ghost meets an angel, and the angel notices the red lizard whispering horrible things into the ghost's ears. The ghost is frustrated at the little red lizard, and the angel offers to silence the lizard.
“Would you like me to make him quiet?” said the flaming Spirit—an angel, as I now understood.
“Of course I would,” said the Ghost.
“Then I will kill him,” said the Angel, taking a step forward.
“Oh–ah–look out! You’re burning me. Keep away,” said the Ghost, retreating.
“Don’t you want him killed?”
“You didn’t say anything about killing him at first. I hardly meant to bother you with anything so drastic as that.”
“It’s the only way,” said the Angel, whose burning hands were now very close to the lizard.
“Shall I kill it?”
“Well, that’s a further question. I’m quite open to consider it, but it’s a new point, isn’t it? I mean, for the moment I was only thinking about silencing it because up here–well, it’s so embarrassing.”
“May I kill it?”
“Well, there is time to discuss that later.”
“There is no time. May I kill it?”
“Please, I never meant to be such a nuisance. Please–really–don’t bother. Look! It’s gone to sleep of its own accord. I’m sure it’ll be all right now. Thanks ever so much.”
“May I kill it?”
“Honestly, I don’t think there’s the slightest necessity for that. I’m sure I shall be able to keep it in order now. I think the gradual process would be far better than killing it.”
“The gradual process is of no use at all.”
As Christians, we think we would give our sin up at any cost, but we don’t. Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew says, “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” (Matt 5:30). Do we treat our sins, both big and small, as seriously as cutting off our hand? Do we aim to kill our sins or simply lull them to sleep so as not to inconvenience us anymore? Far too often we neglect our ability to kill our sins. Our King won. He has conquered death and taken the penalty for OUR sin. He calls us His own. How do we treat Him? We live our lives never challenging our sin and living without the joy He so freely offers us at any moment.
Here is the good news, you have access to that joy now. It is the very weapon you can use to cut the head off your red lizard. It is your shield against the flaming darts of the enemy. So, live your life this year like you are free from your sin. Praise your King in your home, the workplace, and on the mountain tops because He claims you as His. Why do we constantly act as if our whole world is falling apart when we know this isn't our final home? Why do we constantly pout and blame God because He hasn't given or taken away x,y,z? Take courage, my beloved, for your King has won, He reigns justly and eternally now! You can enter this joy now and use it to glorify the only King that deserves it, Christ. Love you, Mount family.
Our Father in Heaven, I pray that as Your people we would learn how to use the joy found in You to kill the red lizards that want to rule our lives. That we learn what it means to fight, laugh and feast as Christians again. That we can rest secure in Your sovereignty and take this new year seriously in Your name. God, we are only able to pray this in Your name because of the sacrifice You made on that cross. I pray we never grow dull in that truth and live our lives to glorify You and enjoy You forever. To You be the glory, power, dominion and majesty forever. Amen.
Written by: Dustin Little
Dustin Little was born and raised in the great State of Texas where he had the privilege of meeting and marrying his beloved wife, Brea. He also has a beautiful, baby girl on the way who is due in March of 2025. He currently serves in Students, Prayer, and Men’s Ministry desiring to serve the Lord with whatever resources he can. He prays that Christians would grow in their relationship with the Lord and yearns for the day where he can undeservingly bow before his Creator, King, and Saviour.