In J.R.R. Tolkein’s book “The Hobbit” there is a point on the expedition to destroy the dragon where Gandalf the wizard has to leave the group to tend to other business, so he puts Bilbo Baggins in charge temporarily. The dwarves are displeased, as they regard Bilbo the hobbit to be lowly and incapable. One of the dwarves should be in charge by their way of thinking … after all, they are warriors and superior to hobbits.
But Gandalf persists, saying, “There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself.”
Now, as you may or may not know, J.R.R. Tolkein, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, was a close friend and confidant of C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia. Both writers wove Christian themes into these works of fiction, and for Tolkien, the character of Gandalf was a Christ-figure.
When my children were elementary age, we had a cassette tape condensed version of The Hobbit, which we would listen to in the car as we drove on trips many times. And when the narrative would reach this scene, Gandalf would say (in the condensed version), “Bilbo Baggins, there is more about you than you know.” And then, I would pause the tape, and say to each of the kids, one at a time, calling them by name – “There is more about you than you know.” And they soon started saying back to me in unison, with delight and a giggle, “Daddy, there’s more about you than you know!” They are mid-life now, but still remember this line, as if it were imprinted on their hearts.
Do you believe that about yourself? Do you realize that God has planted things within you of which you are not aware? If not, then you’re somewhat like Gideon in the Old Testament. God’s people had called out in desperation because of the attacks of the Midianites. So, God sent an angel to Gideon to inform him that he had been chosen to lead the Israelites to do battle.
And the angel of the LORD appeared to [Gideon] and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” (Judges 6:11)
Gideon vented some frustrations about how God seemed to have abandoned his people. So, the angel explained that now was the time to solve the problem and Gideon was chosen of God to pull it off. Gideon’s response was not … “Oh, boy! Thanks for picking me! I’m your man!” Nope … it was more like … “Great idea, but you’ve got the wrong guy!”
“Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” And the LORD said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” (Judges 6:15-16)
Have you ever felt like God needed to do something about a situation, but you were quite certain it should be handled by someone besides you?
If so, then I pass this on to you … “There is more about you than you know!” God has hidden things within you. Don’t be intimidated. When Gideon questioned why he was chosen, God didn’t give a run-down on Gideon’s advantages. he just said, “I will be with you.” God is not going to hand you an advance list of what is within you. You are going to discover as you go.
As in the Hobbit story, don’t listen to the “dwarves” who think you are not fit for the task. Listen to God, who sees within you the gifts and strengths that you do not yet realize are there. As often as needed, say to yourself, “Yes Lord, I can. Because there is more about me than I know! And best of all, you will be with me.”
Blessings,
Chaplain Mark