Who Does God Say We Are?ናሙና

Chosen and Called

Despite his humble origins as a simple hobbit from the Shire, in The Lord of the Rings, Frodo is chosen by the wizard Gandalf to undertake a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth from the dark lord Sauron.

Throughout his quest, Frodo faces cold, hunger, imprisonment, violence, and temptations, yet he remains steadfast in his commitment to fulfill his mission.

Though, at one point, he expresses his frustration to his wise, wizardly guide.

“I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.”

Gandalf replies, “So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

Despite his small stature and seemingly ordinary background, Frodo's courage, humility, and sacrificial love make him a hero of legendary proportions. His identity is not defined by his size or lineage but by his simple willingness to answer the call and carry the burden entrusted to him.

But Gandalf goes one step further to comfort Frodo, reminding him of the seemingly invisible force at work for good in a seemingly fallen world.

“There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo,” said Gandalf, “besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.”

The author J.R.R. Tolkien’s Christian faith bleeds through into his myth in this passage, reminding us that we are also chosen and can be confident that God is at work in our circumstances through the Holy Spirit.

Like Frodo, we are called to embrace our identity as chosen and called by God, regardless of our background or circumstances. Our value and purpose come from our relationship with Him and His calling on our lives to pick up our cross and follow Him.

Let us live with confidence and purpose, knowing that we are part of God's chosen people. We have not been abandoned; we work alongside the Holy Spirit to fulfill His calling.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing and calling us into Your family. Give us the courage to live as Your chosen ones, boldly proclaiming Your truth and love to those around us. May our lives reflect the excellence of Your Name. Amen.

Reflection: How does knowing that you are chosen and called by God impact how you view your everyday responsibilities and interactions with others?