Aragorn: Are you frightened?
Frodo: Yes.
Aragorn: Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Like almost everyone on the planet, I love the Lord of the Rings trilogy - books and movies. It is a rich tale of steadfast friendship, unfailing love, selfless sacrifice and one of the best examples of good versus evil ever written.
In case you missed viewing the first movie (accidentally, of course!), Frodo and his three Hobbit friends set out from their beloved, idyllic home in the Shire to do what no one else is able to do - dispose of the evil, powerful Ring. Early in their journey, the Hobbits arrive in the town of Bree, where they meet the mysterious Aragorn who asks Frodo if he is afraid. Frodo confirms that he is indeed frightened. But Aragorn responds that more fear is warranted; Frodo isn't nearly frightened enough.
And like Frodo, sometimes I’m not frightened enough. Something also hunts us, something that wants to destroy us and steal from us.
Jesus warned us about our enemy in John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
The life Jesus came to bring isn’t necessarily one of comfort and fun. It is often a roller-coaster ride of white-knuckle trust under the most difficult of circumstances. With Jesus, we get to experience the full spectrum of adventure. But, because of His great love, we needn’t be afraid. We do, however, need to be aware.
Most people seem to have difficulty believing in the existence and threat of Satan. It is easier to think of Satan as a joke and blame God when circumstances don’t go our way. Yet, throughout scripture, we see that God is the responsible party when things go right. In fact, James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Just like The Lord of the Rings’ ending has already been written, so has ours. The Bible says that our enemy is defeated and our loving God will take over; making all that we can now think of as "perfect" pale in comparison. He has a spectacular ending planned and we are invited to be part of the adventure.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for telling me about my enemy. I’m so glad that you love me enough to tell me the truth. Sometimes the adventure of life feels scary but I’d rather have it to the full with You than pretend that my enemy doesn’t exist.
Like almost everyone on the planet, I love the Lord of the Rings trilogy - books and movies. It is a rich tale of steadfast friendship, unfailing love, selfless sacrifice and one of the best examples of good versus evil ever written.
In case you missed viewing the first movie (accidentally, of course!), Frodo and his three Hobbit friends set out from their beloved, idyllic home in the Shire to do what no one else is able to do - dispose of the evil, powerful Ring. Early in their journey, the Hobbits arrive in the town of Bree, where they meet the mysterious Aragorn who asks Frodo if he is afraid. Frodo confirms that he is indeed frightened. But Aragorn responds that more fear is warranted; Frodo isn't nearly frightened enough.
And like Frodo, sometimes I’m not frightened enough. Something also hunts us, something that wants to destroy us and steal from us.
Jesus warned us about our enemy in John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
The life Jesus came to bring isn’t necessarily one of comfort and fun. It is often a roller-coaster ride of white-knuckle trust under the most difficult of circumstances. With Jesus, we get to experience the full spectrum of adventure. But, because of His great love, we needn’t be afraid. We do, however, need to be aware.
Most people seem to have difficulty believing in the existence and threat of Satan. It is easier to think of Satan as a joke and blame God when circumstances don’t go our way. Yet, throughout scripture, we see that God is the responsible party when things go right. In fact, James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Just like The Lord of the Rings’ ending has already been written, so has ours. The Bible says that our enemy is defeated and our loving God will take over; making all that we can now think of as "perfect" pale in comparison. He has a spectacular ending planned and we are invited to be part of the adventure.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for telling me about my enemy. I’m so glad that you love me enough to tell me the truth. Sometimes the adventure of life feels scary but I’d rather have it to the full with You than pretend that my enemy doesn’t exist.
Help me to always remember every good and perfect gift is from You.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
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