“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matt 18:20 NIV
How important it is to remember that our Lord is always with us and that he stresses the importance of being in fellowship together. This principle is highlighted many times throughout the Bible, starting right in the beginning.
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”Genesis 2:18 NIV
But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 2:20b-22
God reveals to us that we are not meant to be alone while on this earth. This example is of husband and wife, but the Lord continues to stress the pairing of two or more through this love letter to us – his word!
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV
The Lord will always pair us up with one, or more, to strengthen us in time of need. God wants us to have a better defense against anything in this world that takes our focus off of HIM. He desires our heart, as it belongs to him, and he does not wish to make it easy for that which would seek to harm our heart.
Also, if two lie down together, they will 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. Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 NIV
The Lord reminds us again of the benefits of being in groups of two or more. Remember the most important reason- he is there among us!
Jesus met the first apostles in pairs – Andrew and Peter, James and John; these being, arguably, the most mentioned apostles in the Gospels.
Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. Mark 6:7 NIV
Our Lord wants us to fellowship together, to share the word together, pray together, and worship him together. This is our Lords desire for us. As usual, Jesus always sets the example. He reminds us we are never alone.
“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.” John 16:32 NIV
He reminds us as well, he is always with us- again we are never really alone as we go into our world paired.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:19-20 NIV
We are meant to be together, in him!
Love one another.
Barnabas
Special thanks for this guest submission by Barnabas.
Such a blessing and wonderful plan of out Heavenly Father.