Reepicheep and parables of treasures

Will You visit us in our world?

I shall be watching you always.

How?

In your world, I have another name. You must learn to know me by it. That was the very reason you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing Me here for little, you may know Me better there.

-Lucy to Aslan, Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

I was reading my Bible last Sunday and came across two particular parables. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44) and Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46) both talked about men finding great treasures. In order to possess these treasures, they had to make the sacrifice of selling all they have just to purchase these treasures.



When we want something so bad, we would do anything to have it. However, the idea of selling everything for treasure does not totally sink in. At one point, I thought of it as a form of sacrifice as at the back of your mind, you know surely the sacrifice was worth it. But what if you are not sure? Come to think of it, in Christ, the physical/ circumstantial security does not always exist or else faith would not mean so much.

So again, the question is why? Why sell everything for treasure? I was looking for the reason to that feeling of desperation.

I was able to download Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader just recently. I have come to enjoy the films actually. Just like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Chronicle of Narnia always provided me a new reading of life.

One scene in particular that I liked when I watched it again today is the character of Reepicheep, a talking mouse. He first appeared in Price Caspian as an experienced warrior who cared too much of his honor as symbolized by his sword and his tail. In Voyage of the Dawn Treader, it was emphasized that he had heard so much of Aslan's Country and wished to get there someday. As they were almost at the gates of Aslan's country:

Your eminence, ever since I can remember I have dreamt of seeing Your country. I have had many great adventures in this world but nothing has dampened that yearning. I know I am hardly worthy but with Your permission, I would lay down my sword for the joy of seeing Your country with my own eyes.

My country was made for noble hearts, such as yours, no matter how small their bearers may be.

- Reepicheep to Aslan

He then got a small boat, took off his sword belt and went off to Aslan's country.

Hearing the words of Reepicheep just reminded me of the parables. Both parables compared the treasures as the Kingdom of Heaven, and so did Aslan's country.

Reepicheep strove hard with his talents and he has shown a great deal of principles. But all these did not matter to him. All he was striving for is to enter Aslan's country and to be worthy to see it with his own eyes.

The reason to that desperation? Yearning. As God has shown Himself to us, we are to yearn for His presence in our lives. Yearning for Christ.