the fellowship remains

Musings on The Return of the King, part III

I was struck by the idea that once separated, Frodo and Sam had no knowledge of the timing of events and deeds that needed to take place in order for them to complete their task. The rest of the fellowship follow leads on faith, but are never sure what or why. Even Gandalf seems to have direction only step by step.

It is enjoyable and encouraging to be living outside of time during the movie, and to be able to see what things are occurring around middle earth that all play together for a common good. During most of the movie, the fellowship is scattered by various events. Sam and Frodo are together, Merry and Pippen get separated; Pippen is aligned with Denethor and Merry with Théoden , Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas are separated from Gandalf and eventually from the Rohirrim because they are to counter the attack from the river. Théoden is not even aware of that threat. Frodo can not cross the plain to Mount Doom without Aragorn’s diversion. Aragorn can’t survive the diversion unless Frodo reaches Mount Doom. Neither know of how they are dependent on one another. We are so informed that we forget by the end that Frodo hasn’t known that Gandalf is not dead.
There is no way that everything could have fallen into place had the fellowship remained physically together. Even though separated and seemingly chaotic all moves are guided, and at the end Gandalf pronounces the end of the fellowship as he and Frodo leave middle earth. The implication is that the fellowship remained as they were all separately united for a common goal, and each role was necessary for the accomplished task.

We often desire to be with someone to participate or help them with something in which we truly believe, or to share a particular burden. So often, our place is elsewhere and we resolve to be uninvolved despite our desires. But in real life, we can’t live outside of time. Usually we have no idea how the events in our own lives are directly related to events elsewhere that we don’t even know about. We wonder and worry and pray. We hope that our prayers will strengthen our friends in our absence. Do we ever consider how their prayers are affecting our lives and our lives in turn are affecting theirs? Not just prayers, but the results of those prayers on both sides of the equation. I can think of several specific ways that I can influence things right here that can have a direct effect on the ministry of specific friends that are far away. I can also think of specific ways that they can directly influence my ministry here. I don’t need to spell these things out, but I’m greatly encouraged by this little revelation. I am given more specific direction, strengthened resolve to pray and to act. I can be a vehicle for kingdom work to be accomplished, both here and abroad.
How’s it going Texas?