May 31, 2020 -- Psalm 119:176 -- Final Nugget of Truth

I have gone astray like a lost sheep;

seek your servant,

for I do not forget your commandments.

Psalm 119:176 English Standard Version

Both J. R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are famous Christian writers of acclaimed fiction. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy is much loved and the movies based on the books were released one a year starting in Dec. 2001 starting with “Fellowship of the Ring”. C.S. Lewis’ work “The Chronicles of Narnia” have been best sellers for seventy years, having been first published in 1950. “The Chronicles of Narnia” have been movies, stage plays and radio dramas. I thoroughly enjoy both series. There is, however, a significant difference between them—and I would suggest it is the reason why Tolkien’s works translate so readily onto the big screen and Lewis’ work does not.

Tolkien’s books always have a main character who is the hero. Lewis’ books always have Aslan, the Lion which represents Jesus, as the hero. The telling difference reveals why the one series so readily appeals to our world and its appetites. Do we save ourselves? Do we rescue ourselves? Tolkien’s works seems to answer resoundingly yes! Or do we always need a Savior to rescue us? Lewis would declare always! Yes! Lewis’ works pointed to the fact we always need a Savior—one who is greater than us, who has perfect clarity of purpose. Aslan is shown as the powerful one who saves His people and the creatures and world from every mess they themselves created and completely saves from all the complicated, tangled circumstances of existence.

Christians know Jesus is the Shepherd of our souls. Jesus is the Great Shepherd Who goes after lost sheep. Whenever we think to ourselves “I got this” we are already wandering from the pathway of truth and safety which is found only in our Good Shepherd.

Perhaps Psalm 119 is not so famous as Psalm 23 because Psalm 119 more nakedly exposes our failings. Psalm 119 shows us we are not passive in the face of evil and wrong nor are we basically good—we are wayward sheep who have tasted the green grass of restoration and refreshing streams and with full bellies are prepared to wander away from the Source of All Good.

And Psalm 119 exposes the Greatness of our Shepherd-King, Jesus. By His blood He has provided our Rescue. By His Spirit He is ever with us, teaching us His Word and directing us in the way of truth, the way of His commandments. By His Word and Spirit Jesus reminds us we have a Father in heaven Who has stopped at nothing to effect our rescue and has given us the blessedness of those who are treated as if we are blameless and wholeheartedly obedient (see verse 1 & 2).

Blessed are You, Father of love. Blessed are You, Jesus our Shepherd-King. Blessed are You, Spirit of all Truth, our Rescuer Who applies the salvation of Jesus to every part of our lives and circumstances. Blessed are You, Triune God forever excellent and praise-worthy, for You are Splendid in all Your perfections, You reveal Your glory in Your salvation and by Your rescue of ruined sinners, You are the Desire of all nations, the deepest longing of our souls. Captain of Salvation, lead us in the way of your victorious commandments until that great and glorious day when You are fully revealed, there is a new heaven and a new earth and all wandering has ceased. You are our hearts’ home. Amen.