a lesson from the Shire

My favorite scene from Lord of the Rings (the movie) is at the very beginning before they've even left the Shire.

Bilbo(a hobbit)  is getting ready to leave but finds himself not wanting to leave behind the ring (evil, bad thing).  

So Bilbo is arguing about this when Gandalf (the wizard) seems to increase in size.  He becomes large, imposing and fierce.  He says in a loud, booming voice something like, "Have you forgotten who I am?  I am no conjurer of cheap tricks!"

Bilbo is against the wall, eyes wide, full of fear.  

Then Gandalf comes back to normal size, his face softens and his eyes are tender as he says, "I am not here to steal from you.  I am here to help you."

Then Bilbo sobs and runs into his arms.

I LOVE that scene. 

That scene makes me think of us and God.  We so often forget who He is.  We forget that He isn't just some performer.  He is GOD.  He created all things with His words.  Life came from His breath.  

But sometimes we take Him lightly.  We diminish Him in our eyes.  We box Him up and label Him and expect Him to behave the way we like.  

And we argue with Him.  We fight Him because we have things that we are holding on to.  Things that are precious to us.  We want them.  But He knows that those things are harmful to us.  They are evil.  They will consume us.  

He isn't here to steal from us.  He's here to help us.  Always.  Only.  He loves us and only wants our good.  But to quote a different movie/book (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), "He isn't a tame lion."  He isn't tame at all and we best remember that.

The Old Testament refers to it as the Fear of the Lord.  And it is highly recommended.