Awakening to Wonder: Unexpected Encounters with the Divine

I've been on a literary journey lately, diving into Tolkien's masterpieces like "The Lord of the Rings" and finding new depths within them. One scene in "The Two Towers" has captured my imagination: lost in a dark forest, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli stumble upon a cloaked figure. Initially wary of rumors of Saruman's presence, they sense a peculiar thrill as the figure approaches. It's a feeling akin to standing next to someone of immense power, but not of a menacing kind. Deep down, they know they're in the presence of something good. This, of course, turns out to be Gandalf, returned from the presumed depths of death, no longer "Grey" but transformed into "White."

Tolkien beautifully describes the moment. The three ask him for his name…

"As for my name, he laughed softly. Aragorn felt a shudder run through him at the sound, a strange cold thrill. It was not fear or terror that he felt. Rather it was like the sudden bite of the keen air, or the slap of cold rain that awakens an uneasy sleeper.”

Once Gandalf is fully revealed, they laugh again.

Then the laughing broke again. It was a clear and merry sound, as though he was younger than he had ever been before. 'Ho! merry folk,' he cried, 'and where is the welcome for your Gandalf?' It took their breath away. It was like the bursting of a dam. They had been dammed back by so many doubts and fears; and suddenly they were released. Aragorn laughed and Gimli shouted; tears sprang to Legolas' eyes."

It's a metaphor for a sudden jolt, a wake-up call from routine life into a vibrant new reality.

While Tolkien isn't known for direct analogies like his contemporary C.S. Lewis, I can't help but see this scene as a reflection on experiencing Jesus for the first time. Jesus, like Gandalf emerging from the shadows, often enters our lives in unexpected ways. We might not fully grasp his significance or the life-altering potential he holds. Some, like the trio in the forest, might even fear him as an unwelcome change.

But as we begin to understand Jesus' true nature, a sense of wonder overwhelms us. Yes, there's power, but a power for good, a power that works on our behalf. In Tolkien's story, once the revelation dawns, the characters continue their journey with renewed purpose and clarity.

Sudden awakening: Just like a sleeper is startled awake by a refreshing gust or a cool drop of rain, the characters are jolted out of their emotional slumber by Gandalf's unexpected laughter. It breaks through the dam of their doubts and fears, bringing a sudden rush of relief and joy. This is just what Jesus does.

Renewed vitality: Just as cool air invigorates a sleepy body, Gandalf's laughter infuses the scene with new life. Have you ever experienced a spark that ignites their spirits, replacing their weariness with renewed energy and hope?

Purification and clarity: Rain often symbolizes cleansing and purification, and in this context, Gandalf's laughter can be seen as a purifying wave that washes away their negativity and confusion. It leaves them with a newfound clarity and understanding of their situation.

Connection to nature: Both brisk air and rain are elements of nature, and their presence in the metaphor emphasizes the characters' reconnection with the natural world. Gandalf's arrival, symbolized by his laughter, seems to bridge the gap between their internal turmoil and the external beauty that surrounds them.

Have you ever experienced this? That unexpected encounter with Jesus, perhaps through a Bible passage, a personal event, or even a fleeting feeling? Maybe you didn't fully understand what he wanted or who he truly was, but you knew deep down it was something wonderful.

I find Jesus often sneaks up on us in unremarkable ways. When we're least expecting it, his presence is there, a gentle nudge towards something beyond ourselves.

As this new year unfolds, overflowing with potential adventures, I pray that we all encounter Jesus in a real, life-changing way. We might not recognize him immediately, but through grace, may he reveal himself and awaken us to the wonder of his reality.

With You;
Pastor Tim