Based on author George R R Martin’s multi-volume fantasy epic, the TV show Game of Thrones has attracted a great deal of both praise and criticism. Weaving various narratives of its large cast of fascinating characters into a grand overarching tale, it has drawn in many as the various individuals scheme and fight their way to be crowned as ruler of the mythical seven kingdoms. 

In the final episode, Tyrion Lannister, who has somehow managed to survive throughout the entire series, speaks to a council of peers as they discuss who should become the new ruler of the fictional continent of Westeros. He suggests that Bran Stark, crippled by a fall several years earlier, is an unlikely choice, but the best choice. For one particular reason

“What unites people?” Asks Lannister. “Armies? Gold? Flags? Stories. There’s nothing in the world more powerful than a good story. Nothing can stop it. No enemy can defeat it. And who has a better story?”

Stories have a power to live in the hearts and minds of a culture, whatever form they come in. Whether it’s Aslan the Lion from CS Lewis’s Narnia chronicles, the boy wizard Harry Potter, archaeological adventurer Indiana Jones or cockney flower-girl turned toast of elite London society Eliza Doolittle, some are stories to aspire to, some to identify with, some to warn, but all of them inspire.

The life of Jesus Christ has been described as the greatest story ever told. But that seems to suggest a tale that has an ending. The declaration made in churches week after week that “Jesus is alive” speaks of how his story is not finished. His story carries on. Released from the pages of the bible, and in the lives of all those that love and follow him.  

Each of us has our own unique story, one where we might be the focus, the leading player playing the central part. Friends, family or others may well have significant roles, but they will come and go as our story twists and turns. When Jesus becomes part of the chronicles of our lives, the pages are are brought to life, the journey is fuller, and the ending is sure.

Then, who has a better story?

(June 2019)