He isn’t safe. But He’s Good.

The scene with Simeon continues today, but his tone changes slightly. The joy that characterized his first encounter with Jesus is no doubt still there, but the reality of who Jesus really is begins to take shape.

Simeon explains to Mary that Jesus will certainly bring joy for many, but there are also some who will see Jesus as their downfall. Jesus isn’t coming to be a passive king that doles out prosperity here and there, just wanting to keep the people happy. He is the King who comes to provide a righteous rule that a fallen world has never known.

It his famous work, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, CS Lewis provides a wonderful scene that perhaps reflects this idea moment. As Peter, Susan, Edward, and Lucy find themselves in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, they hear about this mysterious figure who is on the prowl known as Aslan. Confused, they ask Mr. Beaver who is Aslan.

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion.”

“Ooh.” said Susan. ‘I’d thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”

“That you will, dearie, and make no mistake,” said Mrs Beaver; “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”

“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.

“Safe?” said Mr Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Too often we make Jesus out to be entirely safe—someone who won’t take us out of our comfort zone, challenge us, or call us to account. Certainly, he is characterized by kindness, gentleness, and patience. However, he is also the Righteous King, and that kingship comes with power and authority. We should never feel worried around Jesus, but we should also never feel comfortably “safe.” Life with Jesus is not safe. He calls at our sin, He calls us to follow him, He calls us to lay down our lives, and He calls us to take up our cross. A life with Jesus is a hard life full of sacrifice, and at the exact same time it is the best life we will ever live.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the ways in which I treat Your Son as comfortable, forgotten friend. Forgive me for treating Him like a colleague and not the King. Thank You for the patience that You provide me as I learn how to trust and follow Jesus.

Please work in my heart to have healthy fear of King Jesus. Help me to walk in reverence and honor, as well as love and friendship, and please help me model for others, not a casual acquaintance with Christ, but rather a full devotion to the Lordship of Jesus in my life.

Amen.