I wanted to prioritize reading The Hobbit before I venture to Zambia, because I knew I would find in its pages inspiration and imagery to relate with my own adventure. Last night, as I was on the edge of irrational despair and realistically desperate prayers, I began reading the copy Nick gave me, and discovered the delicious details of spiritual parallels therein.
First, we have the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. For fifty years, he lived in a safe place, the Shire, and an affluent home, Bag End. His neighbors love the little things in life - comfort, company, cultivation - but frown upon adventure, as it robs them of these enjoyments on their own terms. All except a single peculiar clan, the Tooks, who encountered the meddling wizard Gandalf. Bilbo’s mother Belladonna was a Took, although she took no more expeditions after marrying Bungo and having her fortune spent to build their house.
I can relate, because I love my home and relish solitude. This part of me still longs for a companion, but would rest content at sharing my own Bag End with her, where others are welcome to visit, but within respectable (predictable) reason. Despite my proximity to the Pacific Coast and Sierra Mountains, these natural landmarks have functioned more as barriers than frontiers, or as picnics to punctuate life within the confines of California’s borders. When my family took a vacation in Mexico I became ill, and my journey to Cambodia felt similarly at the time… so I assumed that my calling would remain at home, unless my future spouse insisted on moving, in which case I would simply find a new place to settle down and relax.
My expectations were gloriously shattered, as were Bilbo’s once the wizard came to his door. Gandalf, who did not take “no” for an answer, who marked the home of Bilbo anyway, who is gracious with someone who doubts and shrieks and faints at the mere possibility of never returning home, who patiently coaxes out the dormant Took side of him, and who adamantly advocates for the hobbit’s ability… proclaiming that his choice of Bilbo confirms he is now a burglar, or shall become one when the time comes, and there is far more potential within him than the hobbit or the others can perceive.
Should we think of Jesus as an old man? I would think He would ultimately be as youthful as He is wizened, although I see some of that in Gandalf’s quickness for laughter. Perhaps it is not the vulnerability of a venerable age itself, but how it initially conceals an unexpected insight and power, that makes the wizard a fitting parallel for our Lord and Savior. Surely, Jesus has done everything for me that Gandalf did for Bilbo… refusing my refusal, choosing me, and continually standing up for my own hidden potential. Whether it’s from my own Took side - originating in the virtual adventures I engaged in from childhood and my father’s enduring dream to serve in ministry - or simply by the calling and new creation that Jesus entrusts to me, there’s a passion for a great quest beckoned out of my very blood, made possible by He who goes before me.
Finally, there are dwarves. In contrast to Bilbo’s sequence of pleasantries and invitation for tea (despite his honest frustration at their surprise arrival), these bearded folk starkly state “At your service,” march past you to place their hood on your peg, and begin to eat not only your seed cakes, but the buttered scones too! They are not rude, but they seize hospitality in confidence, and express brotherly love without filters of second thought. Most importantly, the have no home, and instead place their hope on regaining the inheritance they once lost.
I do not yet know what people I will live among. I cannot predict the specific cultural values of hospitality, formality, and affection that I will be exposed to. However, I know that anywhere I go beyond the familiar Western world, I expect to encounter believers and fellow missionaries who are very much like dwarves (at least to me). These are the kinds of people God has newly surrounded me with. Those who do not hide behind their manners. Those who embrace the adventure of following God and tearing down self-built walls. Those who are unafraid to say I love you, and say it full of meaning.
No more stagnation within the testing chamber of my own control. No more ignorance to the needs of the world beyond, where humans and other beings hang in the balance. No more hesitation from truly loving others. Me, Jesus, and the comrades He chooses for me. A clear calling, personal and Biblical, to reclaim from beneath dragons a treasure long ago promised to every people.
A real and unexpected adventure.
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