In the Shoes of Bilbo (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey)

It's more assuring to go on an adventure with someone who will always be there not just to accompany you but to help or even save you

Watching The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey made me have a look at myself in comparison with Mr Bilbo Baggins and his role in this movie. As the story was just unfolding, I already had a feel that I could be in Bilbo's shoes. His inhibitions are my inhibitions. His lack of experience is my level of experience. His pretty solitary life is the kind I'm comfortable at. I wrote this article to summarize my thoughts about the lessons I realized through the movie. Definitely there are a lot more insights you could have extracted from there but here's mine. Please note that this is not a movie review/summary and I don't have the eyes of a movie critic so please pardon me. :)

(As I was writing this, I tried to present my thoughts in a way that it wouldn't be a pre-requisite that you've seen the movie, although you'd relate with this better if you did.)

[caption id="attachment_480" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Screenshot The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey's page from IMDB[/caption]

Lesson 1: Step out of your comfort zone! 

 

Im looking for someone to share in an adventure

-Gandalf to Bilbo

Bilbo's reflex in response to this invitation was to refuse and point out that people like him (hobbits) in general wouldn't care for an adventure since such are nasty, disturbing and uncomfortable. 

 

[caption id="attachment_479" align="alignright" width="470"] Gandalf invites Bilbo to join him in an adventure. Bilbo refuses.[/caption]

Who wouldn't agree? Although exciting, adventures are usually risky, even hazardous. This reminded me of how God wants us to step out of our comfort zones so we can experience something new in the presence of his abundant protection and provision. There are people who are stagnant not just in their Christian walk but life in general because they choose to be stuck in their comfort zones... afraid to take the risk of trying something new. Perhaps God is calling some of us to start a business, but we wouldn't even dare because it's uncertain. Maybe God is calling us to talk to some people we haven't faced in a while, but we choose not to feel the uneasiness that comes with it. God calls all of us to step on to an adventure so we'll have a chance to learn how certain a companion He is in times of thrilling moments in our lives.

Lesson 2: Convenience is too mainstream! 

You have to manage without pocket handkerchiefs and a good many other things...

-Gandalf to Bilbo

Gandalf reminded Bilbo that as he decided to be a part of the adventure of the company of Thorin Oakenshield, he has already left his home behind and he's gonna face the world ahead. That entails leaving probably everything that he's used to, including the convenience of his home, the company of his friends and neighbors or the comfort of his routines.

[caption id="attachment_482" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Bilbo needs a handkerchief[/caption]

As the old wizard reveals that to Bilbo, I can hear God whispering to me that very concept... That my decision to follow Him may entail a challenge of leaving everything (no matter how good that thing/person is) that could possibly hinder me from walking His ways. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26. (If it's your first time to encounter this verse, don't make conclusions yet. I suggest you study/meditate/research on it first before you think it justifies your hate towards other people)

 

It's a deep breath to remember this because we live in a life where convenience can be our God. We stay where the presence of convenience is. We spend for gadgets or items that offers convenience. We relate to people only if things are convenient. Don't get mer wrong. Convenience, like home is good. God actually provides for us so we can experience convenience. But it should not hinder us from enjoying living life to the full which really is facing the world ahead.

 

Lesson 3: Help is always present! 

 

I was reminded of another trait of God through Gandalf's role in the scene below:

     

[caption id="attachment_481" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Left: The troll encounter
Right: Gandalf saves the company[/caption]

 

Prior to this scene, Gandalf left the company of dwarfs due to the stubbornness of King Thorin. While Gandalf was away, trolls (large humanoids of great strength and poor intellect) captured the company and were already in the act of devouring the helpless dwarfs. Imagine the fear of being a small creature ready to be eaten by large monstrous cannibals! Then Gandalf comes to the rescue and exposed the trolls to the sunlight turning them to stones. If I were a dwarf in that role, I would feel so relieved by Gandalf's presence. He just saved me! [There are 2 more scenes later in the movie where Gandalf's presence saved or at least motivated the company... the escape from the Goblins and the Orcs)

 

For sure, there are times when we will be in grave need (financially, emotionally, relationally, spiritually, intellectually, whatever-ly you could think of!). And during such times, we may not be able to feel God's presence or help because of our myoptic vision focusing on the problem. Just know that God will come through for us because He is our ever-present help in times of need! He assures that "I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5). 

It's more assuring to go on an adventure with someone who will always be there not just to accompany you but to help or even save you, right?

Lesson 4: You matter at all! 

Oh how Gandalf believed in Bilbo.

 I've found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay… small acts of kindness and love.
-Gandalf

Are you a member of the majority who believes that great things can only be achieved by great, popular people? 

Only a Billy Graham can introduce God to a crusade of thousands.

Only a Steve Jobs can build a high standard Apple industry.
Only a Mark Zuckerberg can be a millionaire in a young age.

Only a David could beat a giant and lead a nation as a king.

 

And so with this in mind, we get burnt out from doing our daily activities because we lack motivation. We get to the point when we just do things because we have to and we're used to. But God sees every little deed we do and thinks that it matters! Even the decision to wake up early every single morning just to not be late for work/school is already a working ground for Him to make you great! So don't be discouraged that you haven't accomplished an award-winning task for the day. People may not appreciate your faithfulness but who cares what other people think? As long as the creator of the universe thinks you're doing a good job, then that an assurance more than enough to sustain us!

Lesson 5: Your present decision ripples through generations! 

Thorin appreciates Bilbo for saving his life.

Now this one below, I really can relate to! [After narrowly escaping Azog in which Bilbo saved Thorin's life...]

Thorin Oakenshield: I am sorry I doubted you.

Bilbo Baggins: I would have doubted me too.

 

Yes, Bilbo definitely has doubts about himself. He has gone to a journey with no packed skills for battle nor survival. But had he not decided to face the adventure, he wouldn't have been able to experience really cool stuff such as ride giant eagles, stand in stone giants, be in the rivendell, gain dwarf friends and save save their king, nor possess the controversial ring! And these experience aren't just to fill his journal upon the journey's completion but to pass on to the next generation which we know as Frodo. He has to thank the old wizard for choosing him to join the journey. Gandalf's invitation though isn't complete without Bilbo's response to follow. This sound so evangelical. God, too, has chosen us to be a part of His kingdom. We can doubt ourselves of course because that's just right. But just as Gandalf did not look at Bilbo's qualifications, God also is not looking at our strengths, but He sees our weakness as a working ground in which He can display His strength and splendor. We just have to say yes and sign the contract/covenant. And this pivotal decision definitely will ripple the generation after us.

 

[caption id="attachment_486" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Old Bilbo and young Frodo[/caption]