Lynn's Musings

Ok, maybe I am obsessed, but I guess it could be worse. Once again I am watching Lord of the Rings. The Biblical symbolism abounds. The scene where Bilbo is talking to Gandalf about leaving the Shire, and he makes the statement concerning how Frodo still loves the Shire. We spend a lifetime learning that we cannot hold on to the "shire" and that the shire really is not as satisfying as we once thought. Has that been your experience? The Father takes us through some tough times to "weed" this world away from our hearts in order for the shire not to be our focal point. Bilbo has lived long enough that as wonderful as the shire is, he longs to see the mountains, the elves, the things that are immortal.

I particularly love the scene where Gandalf is rebuking Bilbo for wanting to hold on to the ring of power. He, Gandalf, shows his authority over Bilbo, and Bilbo realizes how wrong he is, and that Gandalf loves him. What a beautiful picture of true friendship. Having a friend that loves us enough to rebuke us, to admonish us, to point out our sin. If you have a friend like that, then thank God because not all do. It takes work, effort, and being filled with the Spirit.

Margaret is taking a film class on-line this summer. We were talking about what she was learning tonight, and one of the things her professor said is that films these days are all geared towards men, and making women look weak, like damsels in distress. Really, I said? Most movies that I see make men look stupid, foolish, and like imbeciles. And what's wrong with damsels in distress anyway? It's a picture of Christ coming to rescue His bride. All men and women could be said to be "damsels" in distress. Take Lord of the Rings, the movie was taken right from Lord of the Rings novels by J. R. R. Tolkien, and look at the very strong women that are portrayed. Arawan is a strong helper able to ride better and faster on horse back than Aragorn to take Frodo across the river to Elrond, and she knows exactly what she wants even though she is an Elf. She becomes Aragorn's Queen who is willing to face death for it. Look at Galadrial. Now there is a woman. She has such strong character that she is able to fight off the temptation of power for power's sake. How many women today are portrayed as having such strength that they can give up themselves for the sake of others? That's real strength. It's much easier to be selfish, self-centered, and self reliant. Think about it. The next time you watch a film, or read a book take a thoughtful and analytical look at the main character, are they selfish or selfless? It takes strength 0f character to stand up for what is right even if no one around you is. It takes great strength to lay aside notariaty, power, recognition, and do the right thing just because it is the right thing. This is the example that Christ gave to us. He modeled true strength that does not come from a bottle, an uzi, stomping on the weak, or craving power. Christ gave of Himself. Philippians 2 says:

"1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!"

As I was praying today I cried out to the Lord, "Lord, if only self could get out of the way." Praise the Lord I do have a choice! Just as Bilbo gazes at the ring knowing that he should drop it on the ground, but oh, how slowly he lets it fall, so my heart holds on to self. Agonizing. But Praise God, I now have a choice because of Christ! Take out Lord of the Rings, especially if it has been a while since you have watched it, and try figuring out as many Biblical symbols as you can.

Enjoy....................Lynn