ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12-Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Today’s scripture should be written on the hearts of every Christian, practiced in the lives of every Christian, and safeguarded at all costs by every Christian. It is serious. It is necessary. It is a privilege, yet, sadly, the landscape is filled with the carnage of worldly, backslidden Christians who didn’t heed its instruction. Though an Old Testament truth, it is a present day help to keep us fighting the good fight, running the race, and keeping the faith till the end.
King Solomon writes of the benefits of togetherness among people. There is the fruit of laboring together in a common cause–two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. We also see the lifting of one another when we stumble–For it they fall, one will lift up his fellow. This application is in contrast with the warning if we are alone–but woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up. And the third benefit is the mutual encouragement we give others by building close relationships–If two lie together, they keep warm. Solomon paints a wonderful portrait of the way God intends His people to be with one another; in relationships of togetherness for mutual care, support, and strength. Now fast-forward to the book of Acts and the day of Pentecost. Here is the New Testament application of today’s Old Testament scripture lived out among God’s people in what He calls “His church”
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:42-47)
As we observe the parallels between Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Acts 2:42-48, the “glue” putting them together and directing our Christian lives is what God’s people devote themselves to–“apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer”(Acts 2:42).These are the necessary elements promoting Biblical togetherness. So, the question now must be asked. . . “How about us?” Take time and evaluate ourselves by the standards of both scriptures to see if God’s definition of togetherness is being practiced in our walks with Him with His people. After all, that is what Christianity is all about.
PRAYER: “Father, protect me from being self-deceived to think I can live my Christian life absent from Your people.”
QUOTE: “Christian fellowship is to be desired, sought, committed to, and never to be neglected.”