In Peter Jackson's 2001 cinematic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring", a gold ring resurfaces that had long ago been worn and used by the Lord of Darkness to enslave, control, and dominate the entire free world. Now it threatens to subdue & shackle all creatures once more. So it is brought before a council to determine it's fate and the fate of all men.
Watch this clip. Stick with it. For what is revealed effects our fate, as well.
The first time in the Bible where God speaks of something not being good is in regard to man's alone-ness (Gen. 2:18). Of course, in that instance God is referring to Adam's need for a mate and the result is Eve. For this, all of us men are grateful. However, in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, God succinctly communicates a reality we men often wish to ignore and avoid:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
Men, as we follow Jesus, we need each other.
I'm not talking about some wierd, touchy-feely, "new-age, sensitive guy" type of thing. We need brothers. We need comrades - other men to go to war with. For we are on a great quest. It is a quest with many challenges and battles. Battles for our marriages, our sons, our daughters. Battles for our homes, our communities, our nation. Battles for our very souls.
We cannot do it alone. There is only one choice. We must enter battle together. Brothers. To the end.
It's a Challenge.
This is Challenge Pointe.
Semper Fidelis,
Doug
