I love Neville and this opened my eyes even more to what a great guy he is. Neville's role in defeating Voldemort was just as big as Harry's, without him it is doubtful that there would have been any students at Hogwarts willing to fight, Order members and other "good wizards" wouldn't have been notified about the battle in time, and Harry probably would have never had time to find the Diadem. Without his bravery toward Voldemort, it is unlikely that the Hogwartians would have been inspired to keep fighting and Harry would have never been able to escape. Without his determination and courage the last Horcrux wouldn't have been destroyed in time for Harry's battle with Lord Voldemort. And Neville's job was extremely hard because he was required to be tortured, to ask others to put themselves in dangerous positions, and to keep their spirits up at the same time. And yet after doing all this it was still Harry who was given the glory for defeating Tom Riddle in the end. And that didn't seem to bother Neville at all.
I know that was a bit of a long ramble about Neville but I honestly think that he's a great example of how to follow Jesus. I like bullet point so I'm going to make a list below! :) (also, although I would never connect the two in any other situation, Harry is going to be representing Jesus in some of the examples below because he is the hope that Neville is clinging to at Hogwarts).
- Neville was willing to be tortured in order to stand up for what's right. In the same way, we must be willing to follow Jesus even when it requires us to go through painful situations or be vulnerable. (Romans 12:1-2)
- It's often even harder to ask others to sacrifice themselves than to sacrifice ourselves but Neville did it because he recognized that the resulting good would be worth it. Often, following Jesus requires us to hurt others but we must push through the awfulness of this truth because if we are truly in God's will, the end result will be much greater than we could ever imagine. (Genesis 22:16-17, full story; Matthew 10:37)
- Neville was of one mind with Harry. His attention was focused on rebelling against Voldemort so that everyone he loved would be safe but he knew that he would get a fraction of the glory and was fine with that. He went to Harry for instructions went as far as to point others in Harry's direction when it was time for glory to be received (humility). (Philippians 2:1-3)
- Neville became the leader of the D.A. He spent his time planning meetings and encouraging and teaching members. He also spoke up in class for the purpose of giving hope to the rest of his classmates although he would be punished for it. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
I can't really think of a great way to wrap up this post so I'm just going to end with a view verses about our purpose in Jesus and let you connect them yourself if you feel so inclined! :)
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you.
John 15:16
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