Running Further Up, Further In

(Guest post by Russell)

Dedicated to my pandemic running buddy, Spencer  

I love The Chronicles of Narnia and the writings of C. S. Lewis in general. I love the testimony that is shared throughout his works. I especially enjoy what is written in the final installment of the series, The Last Battle. 

After the end of the actual last battle in the book, a stable door appears through which many characters enter and meet Aslan, the great lion who typifies Christ. I love the meeting of Emeth with Aslan. Emeth was a strong believer in his own religion. In his meeting with Aslan, Emeth is told that all his works in the name of Tash were acceptable unto Aslan.

After this interaction, many of the characters begin running. Their refrain and mantra becomes “further up, further in” as they run along. They see characters from previous books who were deceased. They are able to run up waterfalls and as they run they shout, “further up, further in”.

I don’t know if the second coming or millennium will include running, but I am reminded of the hymn, “If you could Hie to Kolob”. There are 5 verses to this hymn and the 5th one is what I think of when I think of the characters running,

“There is no end to glory;

There is no end to love;

There is no end to being;

There is no death above.

There is no end to glory;

There is no end to love;

There is no end to being;

There is no death above.”

I understand it is repetitive, but I think characters running through the countryside is repetitive. Again, I don’t know what the afterlife will be like, but I do look forward to meeting Jesus again. I look forward to feeling His love and glory. I love the song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. There is a phrase  that I relate to, 

“Will I dance for You Jesus

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence

Or to my knees, will I fall?

Will I sing hallelujah?

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine”

At this stage of life, “I can only imagine” but I am grateful that we will one day see clearly and feel His glory, love, and peace.