A Loyal Friend Defined

Autumn evokes thoughts of cool nights, curled up in a comfy chair with a soft blanket, a big bowl of popcorn, and family gathered around a beloved movie we've seen many times. Despite knowing the plot, the laughter and tears flow as the writers' cleverness unfolds.

Our family favorites include The Goonies, Elf, Courageous, and Narnia. Some of us love superhero movies like Spiderman, Batman, and Ironman. Others enjoy timeless classics such as Labyrinth and Gremlins, despite their outdated graphics. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is a series that captivates us all, turning each viewing into a Superbowl-style event. Watching it alone just isn't the same.

"I can't carry it for you...but I can carry you."

Samwise Gamgee is the epitome of true friendship. Despite Frodo's obsession, similar to Uncle Bilbo's, Sam remains loyal. Even when Frodo chooses Gollum over him and tells him to leave, Sam refuses to abandon Frodo. He distrusts Gollum, sensing deceit that kindness cannot change.

Frodo wanted to believe that Gollum could return to being a good person. That his heart wasn't too far gone because of the years spent in the clutches of the ring, and, once destroyed, the ring would lose it's hold on Gollum, and on Frodo, and life would return to normal. In my opinion, Sam is the bravest, most loyal and the humblest of all the men who set out to journey across middle earth. He knew his friend couldn't see clearly the evil that had hold of Gollum. I cannot remember the source, but I have heard it said, "You can't see the full picture from inside the frame."

I cannot imagine being tasked with such a daunting mission as to carry an object across the country that everyone was fighting to have. Danger around every corner. Some parts of the journey were treacherous enough without opposing forces. If I had to do it though, I certainly wouldn't want to go alone.

Eph. 6:12 "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." (NLT)

Sam was not invited on this journey originally. He was drug along because he had overheard a conversation between Gandalf and Frodo. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or should we say, knowing how this story plays out and the benefit of having Sam there - Sam was in the right place at the right time. Afterall, Frodo would have been dead long before reaching the end of the journey if it hadn't been for his loyal friend.

If I could only have one friend in this world, I'd want one like Sam. He didn't wield the greatest weapon, have the greatest strength, or run the fastest. Yet, in that very moment when Frodo gets to the fires of Mordor, it is because of Sam's relentless friendship. His commitment to never leave Frodo alone or to allow evil to overtake his friend.

John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (NIV)

Many followed Jesus to hear Him teach and to watch the miracles He would perform.

12 followers were named as His disciples. They were chosen to be His closest friends, despite their imperfections. (Matthew 10:2-4)

Of the twelve, 3 were invited to witness Jesus' transfiguration. They weren't better than all the others, just invited. (Matthew 17:1-3)

12 sat around the table at the last supper, even though Jesus knew 1 would betray Him. (Matthew 26:20-30)

1 would deny knowing Jesus, yet Jesus still had big plans for him. (Matthew 26:31-35)

Only 3 were in the heart of the Garden while Jesus prayed. They weren't the smartest or the bravest, and definitely not the most alert. They were chosen.

Jesus was, and still is, a Friend to sinners.

I am a sinner. I am a friend of Jesus. Jesus chose me. I chose Him.

Jesus chose you, too. He died for all who would call Him "Savior" and "Friend".

How about you?

I don't believe Sam was an enemy of Gollum; rather, I believe he was a friend of Frodo. He wanted what was best for Frodo. He is the definition of a loyal friend in this story.

Matt. 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (NKJV)

Jesus defines a loyal friend for all and at all times.