Why You Matter

 

 

A&E swordbanner

In the movie LOTR: The Return of the King is this wonderful scene between Elrond and Aragorn. Elrond visits Aragorn before he leaves for Minas Tirith and gives him a re-forged Andúril. (Made from the sword that defeated Sauron and broken in battle) While Elrond is trying to convince Aragorn to embrace the sword and his true lineage, this exchange takes place.

Elrond: You're outnumbered, Aragorn. You need more men.

Aragorn: There are none.

Elrond: There are those who dwell in the mountain.

Aragorn: Murderers. Traitors. You would call upon them to fight? They believe in nothing. They answer to no one.

Elrond: They will answer to the king of Gondor. [pulls out Anduril]

Elrond: Anduril, Flame of the West, forged from the shards of Narsil.

Aragorn: Sauron will not have forgotten the sword of Elendil. The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith.

Elrond: The man who can wield the power of this sword can summon to him an army more deadly than any that walks this earth. Put aside the ranger. Become who you were born to be. Take the Dimholt Road.

Aragorn: [in Elvish] I give hope to men. I keep none for myself.

That last lines gets me every time I hear it. Aragorn seizes the role as a symbol of hope for Middle Earth, but surrenders the life he has been living (the life of a Ranger, unnoticed and not accepting his true role as King) and also undertakes a journey that may kill him. When he accepts Andúril, he accepts his destiny.

Will we accept ours?

Men…you are a legendary creation. Your life matters because God says so. You were given a holy mission, a commission and an epic journey to embark on. Your heart was forged in the fire of the Father’s love. You are being tempered by the walk of a son of the Most High. This is no ordinary calling…this is a quest…one you were born to face head on. Your life matters, it was designed to be so from the beginning. This is who you are meant to be…a man—God’s man—a man after His own heart. A warrior trained, not just for battle but also for winning that battle. Put away the Ranger, the part of you that drifts from your destiny…become who you were meant to be.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 NKJV

Tough question time. Do you feel you have drifted from your destiny? Are you embracing all God has called you to? How can I pray for you?

del.icio.us Tags: ,,

Comments

Trek23rider said…
I absolutely love this scene. I love the movies all around but when Aragorn embraces his destiny, WOW! At 60 I have to wonder if I have drifted or fulfilled my destiny. The jury is still out on that I reckon. :)
Jay Cookingham said…
Bill...I think you have a Caleb thing going on bro'. Much destiny yet to come I think!
Trek23rider said…
Nothing would thrill me more than to still be able to serve Jesus strongly and well at age 85. :)
Dusty Rayburn said…
I too am a fan of LOTR. This is a great scene. One among many.


Have I embraced my destiny?


Does a sweaty, slippery grip count?
Jay Cookingham said…
Oh yes...I have one of those myself bro'!
jasonS said…
Great reminder. I have been meditating a lot lately on our position and identity as kings in His Kingdom. It's an amazing and great adventure He has called us to and we can't back down! We are releasing His righteousness and justice into this earth--just as it is in heaven. Thanks Jay!
Jay Cookingham said…
Totally agree Jason...no backing down! Lets release all God desires us to!
TCAvey said…
For years I drifted. I finally feel I am where God designed me to be. The years I spent trying to figure out my role, God showed me many things. Things that have made me into who I am.
Even though I am finally living in God's will- I still struggle to not take on my old patterns of Control and perfectionism. I struggle to keep God Lord of all instead of Lord of what I allow Him to be.
floyd said…
I lived a great portion of my life running from my destiny, much the same way Jonah did his. I stumble often, but I'm striving toward Him who keeps me on the path of His calling.


If your sending one up, pray for me to have strength in my legal battles.
Eddy Damas said…
If my destiny is to live and preach in truth, then I would say I haven't drifted at all, yet I have, admittedly slowed down a bit. As for embracing all God has called me to do, I can truthfully say I am not there yet.
Dan Black said…
I believe God has given me the talent of leadership and I'm doing my best to be a good steward of the Gifts He has given me. Great post and reminder.
Dan Black said…
I'll also be praying for you and the situation Floyd.
Michael said…
Huzzah! I spent a number of years "drifting"--or at least that's how it seemed. But perhaps there is another way of looking at it, both in Aragorn's case and mine. (Any many others!) Being a Ranger prepared Aragorn for the moment he was destined to step into the fullness of his calling. Might just be the same sort of thing for us, too. Keep churning out the good stuff, Jay!
Jay Cookingham said…
Good point brother...no doubt like a David in the cave moment eh? Thanks bro'!
Jay Cookingham said…
You sure do have that gift bro'...keep using it for the King...you're blessing many!
Jay Cookingham said…
Glad there's no drifting dude...as for fulfilling destiny, that does take a lifetime doesn't it? Thanks Bro'
Jay Cookingham said…
I'm right there with ya bro' and I have the running shoes to prove it! I'm praying for you my brother!
Jay Cookingham said…
That's a similar struggle for us all TC...I will be praying the Father clarifies your vision and holds you tighter on the journey!
sheila@longingsend.com said…
Put away the Ranger, the part of you that drifts from your destiny…become who
you were meant to be.

YES and AMEN! Well said, Jay.
TCAvey said…
Thanks Jay! Much appreciated.

Popular Posts