by Kala Loptien

Architect, Initiator, Perfecter

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I reference C.S. Lewis frequently. I enjoy his thoughts on theology. One particular revelatory moment from his autobiography stuck with me. There came a point, when Lewis grasps (rather the Lord reveals to him) the truth about our role versus the role of our Creator. Having studied Shakespeare as a literary scholar, he uses the analogy of an author’s relationship with their own characters. Unequivocally, he says, “If Shakespeare and Hamlet could ever meet, it must be Shakespeare’s doing. Hamlet could initiate nothing.”* There’s the crux: “could initiate nothing.”

Now, I know this business about choosing versus chosen/drawing versus drawn can sometimes be a source of contention within Christian circles. I’ve admittedly wrestled with this myself at times. We desire that control, and have a hard time relinquishing. Or rather, recognizing that it is not by our doing, but by our Maker and His mercy that we are able to even have faith. But with semantics and sticking points aside, I don’t think we really have to look beyond the words of Jesus himself.

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”
John 6:44 English Standard Version

 

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
John 12:32 English Standard Version

The Great Author did something unparalleled; something other-worldly: something only the one true God could do: He joined His cast of characters. He met us where we were; and sacrificed it all to save us. While we might grapple with our free will and His will, we can rest in the knowledge that we were created and chosen from the beginning. That means He placed in us a need and a desire. Through His sacraments, His Word and Spirit, He beckons us further. We know His voice. Our choice is to follow.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6 English Standard Version

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

*C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy, 1955