More of a fun blog this week. Here's my top 5 favorite scenes from the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings trilogies and the truths that are illustrated in these scenes.

1. Death of Smaug

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbj94nb2HII

Such an awesome illustration of how the enemy tries to talk crap, tries to get us to look back behind us at the destruction of our past, and take our focus of our Father. When your world feels like its crumbling around you and your pinned against the wall, keep your eyes on your Father, he loves you and is fighting for you. You need only be still. Exodus 14:14

2. Galadriel, Saruman, and Elrond confront Saruon and Wraiths

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLhypaRifcE

This shows the realities of spiritual warfare, (Ephesians 6:10-18) how the enemy will try to use fear to cripple and immobilize us, and how we must know our identity, who God says we are, and be a part of a strong community who we know will have our backs. (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Also, for the WOMEN reading this, Galadriel totally changes the atmosphere she walks into. She is a symbol of beauty, grace, and power. Men were created in the image of a Warrior God, but to women, God gave the power to show His beauty, and that is a powerful weapon that brings life into dead situations.

3. Aragorn receiving his father's sword remade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w8yWQwHSaI

If you know some of the back story, you'll realize just how much spiritual truth is tucked away in this little scene. But the quote that God spoke to me through was "Put aside the ranger, become who you were born to be." In essence, lay aside the old false self and things you found your identity in, and step out in your authority and true identity as a son of the King. (Romans 8:15-17) Need I say more. I also love the analogy of the Sword (Word of God) being able to summon to him an army greater than any that walks this earth.

4. Aragorn commands the Ghost Army

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r622O7Kh4B4

Just as when Aragorn walks in his authority he's been given by his father and the ghosts must yield, so the armies of hell must yield to the power of the Light in us. (Luke 10:19)

5. Gandalf vs The Balrog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGjSoL97yQY

Gandalf stands in the gap (or intercedes Romans 26-27 and 34) between evil and his loved ones. He knows who he is and power within him. He's not intimidated by the enemy's hatred and fear tactics. He stands his ground and forces that mountain to move (Mark 11:23)