98 THE FAITHFUL READER could govern themselves and be like God. In short, the serpent’s story promised them a kingdom of their own; one that would not be subservient to God’s kingdom. Involved in that betrayal is the taking of food that looked delicious. One wonders what the angels thought as they watched humanity become a rebellious unsympathetic character in God’s story. How could humans rule God’s good creation in light of this terrible betrayal of trust? The end of the biblical story is just as important as the beginning for this theme of human rule. In the heavenly scene of Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV), the heavenly court sings about King Jesus and his vice-regents, Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, For you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, And you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth. How is it that humanity’s purpose could be reinstated? How can God have taken a people and made a kingdom which shall reign on the new heavens and earth? How can the original function of being human have been restored? Once again, Edmund’s story mirrors the biblical story. Edmund must be redeemed from the enslavement of the White Witch by Aslan’ sacrifice for him so that he may rule subserviently under Aslan and alongside his siblings. As is well known, this is a picture of Jesus the Messiah’s death for human beings so that they might be redeemed and so rule subserviently under King Jesus alongside their spiritual siblings. This is to fulfill their God-given responsibility to reign on the earth in service to the great King! This is no mirage. This is our future hope which fosters faithfulness as we live for the King today.
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