Read: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

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

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

Dust started filling the room as the jackhammer continued to recoil then repeatedly slam the concrete floor. The construction worker had to muster all his strength just to guide the heavy piece of equipment. The 40-year-old concrete floor could not withstand the assault from the jackhammer, and the floor quickly turned to rubble. The concrete rubble was soon cleared away, exposing a multistrand cable that had been placed within the concrete 40 years earlier to strengthen it and prevent it from cracking. The cable was still holding strong after all these years and even survived the relentless battering of the jackhammer.

The same could not be said about a second cable, just a short 18 inches away from the first; most of its strands had rusted through, turning to dust from decay and the pounding of the jackhammer. I don’t know what caused the second cable to deteriorate over all these years. But I do know whatever weakened it kept it from achieving its designed purpose.

As I stood there looking at the two cables my mind went to Ecclesiastes 4:12 (“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”) This is a very well-known Biblical saying. In Israeli culture three is the number of completeness and stability. Commentators have also referenced this verse as representing the Holy Trinity; Faith, Hope and Charity of the Christian life; as well as the marriage bond between Jesus, husband and wife. The three-strand cord was the strongest and most often used during the time of Christ. The scripture writer was clearly making a point that when we stand as three we are exponentially stronger than standing on our own or even with one other person.

These days we live in a society where everyone wants individual independence, our circle of real friends is getting smaller, social media continues to replace true friendships, and many times we even try to avoid our neighbors. But people are made for interpersonal relationships and are much more resilient when supported by others. If we are to stay strong in the faith and fulfill God’s designed purpose for our lives, we must seek out deeper, more meaningful relationships with people of faith. By joining with Christ and other believers we can strengthen our cords and together withstand the jackhammering of life.



Thought for the Day:
Whom in my life can I support and help strengthen?

Prayer: Dear Lord, bring strong believers into my life so together we can form a cord of three strands and fulfill our God-given purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Prayer Focus: Building strong Christian relationships.

 

By The Orphan Carpenter (California, USA)