Mutual Support of Fellowship – Lean on me

Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:         

There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother.  

There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.   

He asked:

“For whom am I toiling, and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?”

This too is meaningless— a miserable business! 

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

·        If one falls down, his friend can help him up. 

(But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up)

·        Also, if two lie down together, they’ll keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?  

·        Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

·        A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  (^E4.7-12)

This passage is from Ecclesiastes.  It was written by King Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived) when he was already an old man.  It is depressing to some people, because he constantly points out the meaninglessness & misery of this life.  He’s tried it all, and it’s all pointless. 

I find the truth of his wisdom here to be refreshing as a disciple of Jesus … because although this life is meaningless and temporary … I want to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6.19-21). Those who invest in this life will find it depressing.  Those who are invested in the next life will find it easier to avoid earthly temptations. 

In this section Solomon has us thinking about our relationships in terms of mutual support.  Consider this for our relationships with one another.  If we are constantly open, accountable and helpful with each other, we can form the “cord of three strands” that is hard to break.  I’m an introvert by nature, but even I can attest to the truth of this lesson.  I prefer to keep my own company, but going solo is dangerous if anything goes wrong, because there’s no one there to help.  And since Jesus said it’s more blessed to give than to receive, flying solo is really selfish and not as blessed as helping our brother or sister. 

Will you help someone today?  Or will you be like many "Christians," and wonder where everyone is who should be helping you?  Feeling sorry for yourself is not the victorious lifestyle of a committed disciple.  

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
"Love your neighbor as yourself"
"It's more blessed to give than to receive" 
- Jesus, the Anointed One