Good morning! It’s good to be together on this Tuesday. I’m excited about continuing our exploration of a New Normal.
This week our focus is ‘relationships’. Particularly during this time of the pandemic, are there healthy choices we can make to bring positive changes in this important area of our lives?
Our guiding text is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
What Word would God be whispering through these words, opening us to greater truth and fuller living in our relationships?
On Tuesdays we look at the structure of the text. What is the style of the writing? How is the Scripture constructed to highlight or advance a particular principle or point?
Ecclesiastes is one of the Wisdom books of the Bible. Like Proverbs it is packed with practicality. Basic principles for faithful living are stated. Supporting evidence follows to clarify and strengthen the main idea.
The principle in this text: ‘Two are better than one’ (verse 9). It’s a maxim about relationships. It’s a generality that could apply to marriage, siblings, a friendship, a neighbor, a business associate, a co-worker, a classmate.
The principle recognizes there is a possibility for a blessing that exists “between” you and another. A relationship can hold a “between blessing”.
The writer then provides examples, supporting evidence, of what that blessing might be.
· If you work together, there is a reward – maybe of collegiality, mutual accomplishment, shared pride, perhaps even joint profit.
· If you fall down (and falling down can come in many forms), someone is there to pick you up.
· If you find yourself ‘out in the cold’, someone is there offer warmth (which again comes in many forms).
· If you find yourself isolated and ‘easy prey’, having two ‘betters your odds’ – there is someone who will stand with you.
These are all great and practical points about the ‘between blessing’ we can provide each other in relationship. Are there others you can think of? How would you add to the list? Think about your own relationships. What are some of the blessings others give to you or you give to them? List these. These are how you are living into the biblical wisdom of ‘two are better than one’.
As we see, the text does not stop there. The writer expands the principle with this ‘teaser’. If two are good, three are better. “A threefold cord is not easily broken.” (verse 12) What do you think that means? How does this observation advance the basic thought? How is this an extension of the blessing that is found in relationships?
Lots of worthwhile questions to ponder. As you reflect make sure you record your thoughts. Your observations are how the Scripture is ‘true for you’. Don’t want to miss that!
Enjoy the rest of your day and the ‘between blessings’ of your relationships today. As you are ‘there’ for those you care for, you will discover the principle ‘two are better’ coming true.
See you again tomorrow in the Pastor’s Workshop.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for the gift of today. Thank you for my relationships. By your Spirit help me to live into them that they might be the blessing you would have them to be for the other and for me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.