Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Called to Unity

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Jesse Samuel
St. Andrews MTC, NY

Verse 12, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

    If we want to understand the immense tension surrounding the words in this passage, we must start at the beginning. The book of Ecclesiastes was written by the great Solomon, as he was looking back on his life, much of which was lived apart from God. We remember how he became king, and asked God for wisdom, and became the wisest man in the world. However, we tend to forget how he failed to heed his own advice and started a downward spiral. Much of this book is written as a reminder to us that everything apart from God is empty, hollow, and meaningless.
    How well do we work with another peer? Do we like to work alone or collaborate and work with a partner? Solomon reminds us that working together has its advantages. Life is made for companionship, not isolation. Our lives are made for intimacy, not loneliness. I’m sure we all know someone who prefers isolation, thinking they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, however, but to serve God and others.
    When we decide to serve Christ, we learn that His death on the cross brings us together and it will never divide us. A union of people tends to breed success and safety, but most of all, it brings everyone together. More than that, a unity of those under Christ’s name is a union that cannot be diminished. A relationship with God is a threefold bond that can never be broken! May we find peace with His words.

PRAYER

Father, we thank You for yet another day with which You have blessed us. Thank You for the constant reminder that a life with You is one where we won’t feel alone, but feel empowered to start new relationships!  As we look forward to this week, help us to apply the things we’ve learned in the past. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

“For where two or three gather in My name, there I am with them.” Mathew 8:20.


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