and service as we follow Christ is even more
necessary. We are called to serve one another.
can be sure that, as a part of the Body of Christ,
we have each been called to something. And
God's plan has always been that His people
should not walk alone, at least not for long.
Moses had Aaron and Miriam, and later on,
Joshua. Elijah had Elisha. David had Jonathan.
Daniel had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Naomi had Ruth. Paul had Barnabas and Silas. The
apostles had each other and Christ Himself. And
Christ had them.
names, we can know that for each name we
recognize, there are others, unknown and unsung,
who walked with them, encouraged them, prayed
for them, provided for them and did all they were
humanly able to do to aid in the divine mission.
earth. If we didn't, we would not still be here. God
has left His commission for us in the form of His
Word. In it are His instructions on living our lives.
We are to preach His gospel: the good news of
repentance, the cross, the resurrection, and
forgiveness. We are to stand for truth in an age of
post-modern fuzziness inside and outside of the
church. We are to love one another, help one
another and pray for one another. We are to
provide for those among us who are hurting
physically, spiritually and emotionally. Our service
is to Christ Himself, but it is expressed to His
people.
brethren, you have done it unto Me." Matt. 25:40.
The greatest thing you may ever do may be that
"cup of cold water" in His Name.
may major in being Samwise to others, or you
may feel you yourself need a Samwise to be at
your side. There will be times you need someone
to encourage you along the way and be a sup-
port to you. There will be other times when you
can be that encourager and help to someone else.
It may not feel heroic, in fact, it almost certainly
won't, but that is not the reason we do it. We do it
because Christ has modeled it for us, and has
commanded us to be that helper, that encourager,
that support for others. We do it because we love
with God's love. Expect God to bring people into
your life to which you can be of service, and look
to Him to bring that same help to you when you
are in need.
own voice to you saying "Well done, good and
faithful servant." Matt. 25:21.
one could make a case that every one of them
was a hero in his own right, even Boromir, who, in
his last moments of life, acknowledged his
wrongdoing toward Frodo, the Ring-bearer, and
fought valiantly against the foul Orcs in an
attempt to save Merry and Pippin, Frodo's close
friends.
for the fortitude and patience of Aragorn, the
wisdom and power of Gandalf, the reckless
bravery of Gimli, the sharp skills of Legolas, the
awakened courage of Merry and Pippin, the quiet
resolve of Frodo, and as I have mentioned, the
gallantry of Boromir. Many others as well are
woven throughout the tales that bring with them
their own vital contributions to the war of the
Ring.
these characters, one seems to stand alone, at
least in the eyes of many fans of the books and
movies--a humble Hobbit, a simple gardener by
trade in the employ of Frodo and his Uncle Bilbo.
He only knew his "letters" because Bilbo had
taught him. He was earthy and practical, a lover of
things that grow. Open and honest, he was
content with his place in life and never aspired to
great things. His only desires outside the Shire
were to see the Elves, and maybe someday, an
Oliphaunt. He was Samwise Gamgee.
swirling all around him, the charge to Sam
regarding Frodo before the perilous journey
began was "Don't you leave him!" And he didn't.
the fore. Courage he didn't realize he had grew
steadily within him. Sam's attributes read like the
fruit of the Spirit:
Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness and self-control.
Gal. 5:22-23.
had. Faithful, single-mindedly devoted, and loyal
to a fault; he was fiercely protective and tenderly
encouraging. Simple, but not stupid, he looked
after his master with care, making sure Frodo got
food, water, and rest even if he himself did not. He
protected him, aided him and did everything in
his power to see Frodo through to the
culmination of the quest.
whether we are or not, we cannot do what we are
called to do alone. This is foundationally true in
the Church of Jesus Christ. God places a high
premium on humility and service to one another.