“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor—for if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falls—for he has not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat; but how can one be warm alone? And, if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him—and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
We were made for fellowship with God and others; but woe to any who feel no need of them and always want to go it alone.
From the time of creation we humans have been in need of a “helpmeet” (Gen. 2:18). It would seem the beasts were first brought to Adam to fill that void (v.19), but they were inadequate to meet that innermost need (v.20).
So, from Adam’s side God took a rib and fashioned a beautiful creature called a Woman, who was perfectly designed in every way to complement Adam’s needs (vv.21-23). Why, then, do we sometimes feel like we can go it alone and detest having to ask others for their help? Today’s Manna is very clear: “Two are better than one and three are better than two.”
Although Solomon was probably feeling pretty lonely in his estranged condition from God, he still knew the practical benefits of companionship. As someone once said, “There’s strengthen in numbers”—and that’s very true when it comes to doing God’s Kingdom work.
Assuredly, there’ll be times when we feel like David and cry “No man cares for my soul” (Ps. 142:4b). . .or like Elijah, who felt like he was the only prophet left who’d not bowed his knee to Baal (I Kings 19:4, 10, 14). . .or like Jesus when all of His closest disciples forsook Him in the Garden (Mt. 26:56b). Oh how great the agony of loneliness!
That’s why it’s important that we nurture relationships and encourage fellowship. The Church was designed for “koinonia” (fellowship). As Blood-washed, Blood-bought, pardoned, adopted members of Christ’s Body and Bride, we should have “fellowship one with another” (I Jn. 1:3, 7).
Why, then are we so often divided instead of united?
Simply because of sin—pride, jealousy, envy, etc. (I Cor. 1:10-17; 3:1-4).
But, that should not be, Pilgrim. And, it need not be IF we’ll “love one another as He has loved us” (Jn. 13:34; 15:12).
Solomon knew there’s strength in interlocking arms when others are trying to push through you; but, these cannot compare to the strength of the “threefold cord/rope.” Take a rope and wrap it around some folks three times and it becomes quite difficult to separate them. And, so will it be with us when the Love from a Triune God covers everything we say and do.
Even if you’ve repeatedly tried and failed, Pilgrim, or been terribly hurt by others’ unkind words or deeds, the “threefold cord is not easily broken.” You need others and they need you. So, reach out to someone else today, letting them know you’re there for them; you might be surprised at their response and how they were wishing there was someone who cared.
July 17, 2011
