The Power and Blessing of Christian Community
When it comes to J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novel, Lord of the Rings, there are plenty of heroes to be found. We love Gandalf for his wise and steady leadership, we cheer for Aragorn as he battles the enemy with the sword, and, of course, we marvel at Frodo’s perseverance and sacrifice as he takes the ring on the long and grueling journey to Mordor.
But, as amazing as these heroes are, Tolkien himself was convinced that the real hero was someone far more ordinary. In one of his later letters, Tolkien refers to Sam Gamgee as the “chief hero” of the whole book.[1]
Yep, that’s right. In a sense, the greatest hero was Samwise the gardener from the Shire. Why? Because without Sam, Frodo would have never made it to Mordor to destroy the ring. Throughout their treacherous journey, Sam was the ever-present friend providing encouragement, strength, and hope.
In many ways, the relationship between Frodo and Sam is a vision of the Christian life. We are all on a long and dangerous journey. So dangerous, in fact, that it is not the kind of journey anyone can take alone. It requires help. Companionship. To make it to the end, we all need a friend like Samwise Gamgee to lift us up, and sometimes even carry us.
In the book of Hebrews, the author is very aware of this Christian journey we are all part of. He indicates in chapters 3 and 4 that we are on a journey to the promised land. But this promised land is not a physical country, but heaven itself. And he knows that before we get there, we will need to journey through a “wilderness” filled with trials and tribulations.
So, what can be done to make sure that we make it to our final destination? The book of Hebrews provides many answers to that question, but one of the core answers is found in 10:23-24:
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the Day drawing near.
Here in this passage, our author highlights the critical role of Christian community, which provides two things we desperately need.
First, community provides the proper context for the proclamation of truth. Notice what our author says, “Let us hold fast the confession” (v.23). This is a reference to the content of what we believe. If we are going to endure the trials and tribulations of this world, we have to be certain that what we believe—about God, about Jesus, about his Word—is absolutely true. Indeed, that truth is the engine that drives our journey and allows us to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Sometimes people have a negative impression of “theology” or “doctrine.” Maybe they think it just leads to bickering and fighting. But this passage reminds us of the importance of our theology. If we don’t have truth, we don’t have a reason to keep going.
Second, community provides the opportunity for deep fellowship. We can’t do this journey alone. Thus, our author reminds us that we should regularly “meet together” (v.25). Why? Because as sinful, fallen people we often need help. When we trip and fall, we need someone there to pick us up. Sometimes we forget the mission and need someone to “stir up” our hearts, “encouraging” us towards love and good deeds.
In sum, this means we all need a Samwise Gamgee in our lives (or several of them!). Sam never wavered in his commitment to the truth, regularly reminding Frodo that their mission was the only hope of the world. And Sam was always present to provide fellowship as Frodo’s constant companion, at times even lifting Frodo on his own back and carrying him.
So, don’t give up meeting together. Find a good church filled with Sams. And look for ways to be a Sam yourself. And this combination of truth and fellowship will keep us faithfully on the road till our journey comes to an end.
[1] J.R.R. Tolkien, “Letter 131 to Milton Waldman,” The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, ed. Humphrey Carpenter & Christopher Tolkien, (London: George Allen & Unwin,1981), 178.
