Recently I started reading “Walking with Bilbo”. I am only 5 chapters into the book, but it is an interesting read.
The author tries to make a comparison between what Bilbo it going through and what we as Christians are supposed to go through. Bilbo goes on adventures even though it goes against his better judgement. We as Christians are called upon to do the same.
Think about the disciples, Jesus asked them to give up everything to follow Him and to go on an adventure of a lifetime. Bilbo was asked to do the same. Bilbo left behind all of his conveniences of life to go on a quest that could end with him dying.
Now think about us, we are called to do the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:16-20 English Standard Version
The Great Commission
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Christ basically called us to go on an adventure of a lifetime. He is asking us to follow Him and to trust Him. This journey may end up with us being laughed at, mocked, ridiculed, robbed, hurt, imprisoned, or even killed. The reward may not be great by Worldly standards, but by Heavenly ones it will be awesome. Christ finishes it with “..I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Does that sound like Bilbo and his adventure with the Dwarves and how he trusted Gandalf? No Gandalf is not the same as Christ, but more of a very wise being that knows a lot.
The only difference is that Bilbo upon the successful completion of his task would be instantly rewarded. Bilbo got see the fruits of his labor where as we may not.
The question is are you willing to be a follower of Christ and do as He commands? It is a tough question to answer, but only you can do that.