Much of what once was is lost
The title of my article is a quote from the fictional character ‘Galadriel’, Lady of the Woods of Lothlórien, Queen of the Elves, who possessed one of the mighty rings that author J. R.R. Tolkien wrote in his series of fictional books entitled “The Lord of the Rings.” In the film, which is adapted from the first book, Galadriel speaks: “Much that once was is now lost, for now there are no living who remember him.” series (a bad guy), gave her one of the rings to harness her power during “once upon a time”.
Long-lived people (and fictional characters) seem to have an advantage over the rest of us. They have more time to learn and apply lessons in life. They can see repeating patterns, which can lead to the acquisition of power, wealth, love, admiration and control beyond what a person (or fictional character) could be expected to achieve in a normal life. Read books by J. RR Tolkien, if you want to know how far into detail the author would go to explain fictional relationships (between humans, wizards, elves, dwarves, orcs, etc.). Watch the films if you want to see how far a film producer would go in presenting carnage as a way to make a profitable film.
Look up Deuteronomy 34:7 on the web to see how long a real human being ever lived. Biblical scholars have found evidence and agreed that the long-lived Moses possessed and practiced these human qualities during his lifetime: Absolute faith in God, Integrity (morality, ethics), Foresight (thinking strategically, planning and maintaining God’s level), Firmness (standing like a rock in the face of personal threat), Faith (trustworthy and submissive God). Do you see why God chose Moses to lead the Jewish people out of slavery in Egypt to the land he (God) had promised Abraham? Most importantly, it will be a journey of the Jewish people to form their relationship with God, a time when God has shaped them to be worthy to choose them. A strong human leader was the way God chose to communicate, and that leader, Moses, was also the means of communication with the people at that time, until todayand beyond!
Moses’ task seemed simple, to accept God’s approach to him, to listen to what God told him to do, and to do it. This last part required him to stand close to thousands of Jews, explain to them what God wanted them to do, and get them to do just that. It was one of the most difficult relationships a human being had to achieve. Consider the faith of Moses. Moses had stood before the Egyptian pharaoh (king) many times (as God told him to do) and described God’s wrath (a series of plagues) that would only stop when the pharaoh freed the Jewish people from slavery.
Now imagine Moses leading thousands of families to the Red Sea as he receives word that Pharaoh has sent his army in pursuit of the Jews, led by chariots (the means of crushing Egypt’s enemies) pell mell (frenzied, in a fury of anger) . This is the kind of scenario that generals dream of, pinning an opposing army to an immovable obstacle (like the Red Sea). Moses did not know this God would move the immovable; God parted the Red Sea to allow Moses and the Hebrews to cross to the other side.
Do you remember how long Moses lived? For about 40 of those years Moses lived in the presence of God, who spent 40 years of his time shaping the Jewish people to be worthy to be called his (God’s) people, and he did this through Moses. Moses recorded his experience the way God told him to. These are the first 5 books (of the Old Testament) in the Christian Bible. Web Search Genesis 1:26. Who is “us?” It is clear that this is God, but who else is God talking about? Note that you have read a quote from God Himself, given to Moses, who wrote it down (assuming it is a means for us to know something God wants us all to know).
Web Search Genesis 1:1-2. The first verse identifies God and the second verse identifies “the Holy Spirit” as two components of “us”. Web Search Colossians 1:15-17 (New Testament book) from the Christian Bible. It is about Jesus, the third component of “us,” better known to Christians as “God in three persons. (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)’. God, the faceless creator, has a face (Jesus) and he communicates his grace to each of us (communicates) through the Holy Spirit.
Today is December 21, 2021, 4 days before Christmas, a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ promised by God. Web Search Revelation 5:11-13. Consider what you believe about God in three persons, about the creation of mankind, and why it might make sense to you that God loves us all so much that he forced human birth on a part of himself that has existed since the beginning of timethat he might walk among his chosen people, teach them, and allow them to sacrifice him for their own sin.
The Lord of the Rings is a beloved fictional tale, but the true story of who we are, why we are here, and who truly loves us is found in the Christian Bible. Much of what it was not lost. I hope you will begin to understand it, grow in your faith, and share what you learn with others. Do this and be sure that Jesus is there with you (Matthew 18:20). Merry Christmas.
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