Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 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! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
In ancient times, many hands made light work, just as it does today. When traveling alone, dangers from robbers, exposure to heat or cold, or accident were lessened by having a traveling companion with them. That is also true today, which means these ancient words in this proverb in Ecclesiastes are just as comforting to us as they would have been 3,000 years ago. That is the beauty of Scripture, that words written so long ago speak to us perfectly in the 21st century.
Sadly, many, since Covid, have become accustomed to going it alone. Male friendships are at an all time low in the past few years. Even in our churches, our brothers and sisters are living their lives like only children. The solitude can be nice but an alarming side effect is loneliness and a fear of being surrounded by troubles instead of friends. Two are better than one and a threefold cord is not quickly broken but too many lives are slender threads, vulnerable against the pull of this world. Let us pray for those who are lone threads, alone, and lonely.
Dear Lord, thank you for brothers and sisters in the church. Help us to look to each other for help in this crowded, lonely world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church