Summary: Did you know that J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings, was instrumental in C.S. Lewis becoming a real Christian? Tolkien was a good friend of Lewis and faithfully shared the Good News with him. That lesson of true friendship comes across in Tolkien’s books too. In Lord of the Rings, Frodo has to go on a dangerous journey. He is tempted by evil, his life is threatened, and he’s constantly in danger. But he has a great friend named Sam. Sam is the best sort of friend that anyone could have. Sam doesn’t shy away from the challenge and let Frodo go it alone. No, he’s with him every step of the way, even when it means risking his own life. He was Frodo’s friend not only when things were good, but also when Frodo went through the biggest trial of his life. Are you that kind of friend to those in your life? Do you stand with them when they’re struggling to fight against evil or temptation? Did you walk with them on that painful journey of their suffering some time ago? Ask God to help you be a better friend. A friend like we have in Jesus, who “sticks closer than a brother,” as the Bible says. Being a faithful friend like J.R.R. Tolkien was to C.S. Lewis, and Sam was to Frodo, and Jesus is to you and to me, is a great way to reach your world. You knew that, didn’t you?
