I love stories where a plot twist reveals a character’s hidden identity. One of my favorites is The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis. The seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia overflow with spiritual significance. This story focuses on an orphan boy named Shasta raised by a poor fisherman. I don’t want to spoil the story if you haven’t read it, but Shasta embarks on an adventure that leads to a surprising discovery about his true identity. It turns out he’s not an impoverished orphan, but the lost son of a king.
Lewis describes the moment Shasta discovers his true identity:
“What came next surprised Shasta as much as anything that had ever happened to him in his life. He found himself suddenly embraced in a bear-like hug by King Lune and kissed on both cheeks.”
It takes time for Shasta and other characters to adjust to this shocking turn of events. At the palace, he learns that he was kidnapped as a baby and presumed dead. When the king sees Shasta is the exact image of his son, he realizes his lost twin has been found. Not long after learning the news, Shasta enters a room announced by trumpeters and dressed as royalty for the first time. His traveling companion, Aravis, reacts with surprise:
“Aravis looked twice at his face before she gasped and said, ‘Why! It’s Shasta!’
Shasta all at once turned very red and began speaking very quickly, ‘Look here, Aravis,’ He said, ‘I do hope you won’t think I’m got up like this (and the trumpeter and all) to try to impress you or make out that I’m different or any rot of that sort. Because I’d far rather have come in my old clothes, but they’re burnt now, and my father said—’
‘Your father?’ said Aravis.
‘Apparently King Lune is my father.’”
With his unknown identity revealed, Shasta’s life changes dramatically. He can hardly fathom that he’s the beloved son of the king.
It’s makes a satisfying plot twist, but Lewis didn’t write it just for our entertainment. Shasta’s story illustrates a deep spiritual truth. Every follower of Jesus is the beloved child of the King of Kings. Here’s how the Bible describes our identity in Christ: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! … This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (1 John 3:1a & 1 John 4:13-16, NIV)
Sometimes I wonder if we’re a bit like Shasta, feeling awkward and unsure of our identity in Christ. Do we believe the King of the universe loves us as His precious children? Do we live like it’s true? Or, do we opt to wear our comfortable old rags and behave as if nothing has changed?
There’s a lot of talk about identity in the world today. It seems everyone wants to drive a stake into the ground to show who they are. But for those who follow Jesus, our primary identity needs to be rooted in the knowledge that we are beloved children of the King of Kings. That’s the only one that lasts all the way into eternity.
Being royalty has certain privileges and responsibilities. It means taking time to discover God’s character and to align with His ways. As His children, we are set apart, different from the rest of the world. We approach life from a perspective that aims to please God, not ourselves. Of course, we don’t always get it right–living into our identity in Christ is a slow process of transformation that takes a lifetime. (The Bible calls this process sanctification.)
What identity do you wear most visibly? How does that identity dictate the choices you make? If you’ve acknowledged Jesus as your Savior, do you know who God says you are? The best way to learn about about this is by reading the Bible. It’s also the way you can discover more about God and His character. You’ll learn more effectively if you prioritize meeting with others to learn with you. As you pursue God and delve into His Word, you’ll develop peaceful confidence knowing you’re deeply loved as a child of the King of Kings.
Want to learn some of the different aspects of your identity in Jesus? Be sure to check out my next few posts. Until then, let this song remind you of your truest and most important identity: Who You Say I Am by Hillsong Worship
If you haven’t read it, pick up a copy of The Horse and His Boy to read this summer. (So many great truths in this little book- I promise I didn’t spoil the whole thing!)
C.S. Lewis The Horse and His Boy, Collier Books, 1954; 188,195-6.
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