One of my favourite books is the Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. It's a family favourite as well. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve read it. These times include reading it to each of the children. I’ve also seen the film adaptations multiple times, including watching them over the last ten days. The story is filled with heroes. Frodo, the ring bearer, who must take the evil ring to Mordor to destroy it. Strider (Aragorn) the Ranger, destined to return as the King of Gondor. Gandalf the Grey (eventually, the White) who helps the fellowship. Legolas (elf) and Gimli (dwarf) who continually risk their lives, and even Meriadoc and Pippin (hobbits) who show bravery far and above their stature.
But, I contend that in all of fiction literature, there is no greater hero than Samwise Gamgee. Sam has two skills that are second to none. The first is, he’s an exceptional gardener – employed by Frodo, his closest friend. He is caught listening in on a conversation between Gandalf and his friend Frodo. His punishment ... he is to accompany his friend on the quest to destroy the ring. Tolkien was a Christian, a friend of C.S. Lewis, and you can see the messages of grace, mercy, and redemption in his stories.
I want to share five Samwise quotes for your consideration – and what we can learn from Sam.
Frodo: Go back, Sam! I’m going to Mordor alone.
Sam: Of course you are, and I’m coming with you!
Have you ever had a friend – someone close to you – tell you to leave them alone? You are torn. You are their friend. You want to do what they ask— Don’t do it. In those times of distress, the request to be left alone is the last thing they need (or want). Be Sam, and do not let your friend go into the darkness alone.
“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family” (Prov. 18:24 MSG).
Sam: I made a promise, Mr Frodo. A promise. “Don't you leave him, Samwise Gamgee.” And I don't mean to.
We live in a world where promises are thrown about without a care – and broken just as quick. Sam made a promise, and there was absolutely nothing that would keep him from honouring that promise.
“When you tell God you’ll do something, do it—now. God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then do it. Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up” (Eccl. 5:5–6 MSG).
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Sam: Come, Mr. Frodo! I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you.
Frodo is at the foot of Mount Doom and cannot take another step. It is the hero Sam, who stuck by his friend, who understands he cannot carry the burden (ring) himself, but he can carry Frodo. He can share the burden.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2 NIV).
Sam: There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for.
We have a message that is the Good News, and this good news is worth fighting for.
“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven” (Matt 5:14–16 MSG).
Sam: Is everything sad going to come untrue?
We have an answer to Sam’s question. He asks it with incredible hope in his voice. He wants it to be true, and we have the answer for him: Yes, all that is sad will become untrue.
“They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone” (Rev. 21:4 MSG).
Sam’s second skill?
Well, it’s more of a characteristic. It is loyalty. Loyalty to his closest friend. He will never leave Frodo’s side. He will carry him when he can no longer take a step. Sam keeps his promises. He will die for Frodo if need be. (SPOILER ALERT: Sam lives.) We all want a friend like that. Who doesn’t? That friend is yours for the having. That friend is Jesus. Jesus, who fulfills every promise. The friend who NEVER leaves you – and, the friend who has even died for you. Yet, the friend who lives! He is my best friend, and He wants to be yours too.
“I no longer call you slaves, for a master doesn’t confide in his slaves; now you are my friends, proved by the fact that I have told you everything the Father told me” (John 15:5 TLB).
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