Riddles in the Dark
I am reading The Hobbit (for the third or fourth time) to our firstborn. We have just finished the chapter "Riddles in the Dark" where the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, providentially (so it seems) defeats Gollum in a riddle challenge deep in the dark caverns of the Misty Mountains. The riddles that Bilbo and Gollum share are normal, as riddles go, but the final one that Bilbo wins with was a simple question that he accidentally asked himself out loud. He had placed his hand in his pocket and felt a ring that he had just earlier discovered on the floor of the caves, "What have I got in my pocket?" Gollum heard him ask this and thought it was the next riddle that Bilbo had for him. Of course, it wasn't meant to be a riddle, but Bilbo, realizing his good fortune, restated it, as if he did intend to use the question as a riddle, "What have I got in my pocket?" Gollum asks for three chances for such a difficult "riddle" and, predictably, loses. Of course, it really wasn't quite fair, but it does make for a fun story that leads to a great adventure and the ultimate fate of Bilbo, Gollum and the entire Middle-earth. I encourage you to read the book, but if you'd rather see the movie, part one comes out on my second-born's birthday....December 14, 2012!
In John 3, there are some interesting riddles in the dark. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Jesus in the dark and has some questions. However, he begins his dialogue with a complimentary statement: "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” To which Jesus replies, strangely: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jesus, reading the intent of Nicodemus, goes straight to his heart and offers a riddle for Nicodemus to solve...that he might discover the Kingdom of God. The following dialogue between the two fabulously lays out the heart of Jesus' ministry, as well as the means by which Nicodemus (and you and me) can "see the Kingdom of God" and, in fact, discover "eternal life". Tomorrow, as we begin a new year together, let's gather to worship Christ and to be reminded of the first step to a new beginning: we must be born again!
Grace and peace,
Dave