On the Highway (Eccl. 4:9-12)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 4/29/2013 10:12 AM

My Worship Time                                                                              Focus:  On the Highway

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                 Reference:  Eccl. 4:9-12

            Message of the verses:  I wish to repeat the order in which we are looking at the fourth chapter of Ecclesiastes:  “In this chapter, Solomon recorded his observations from visiting four different places and watching several people go through a variety of experiences.  His conclusion was that life is anything but monotonous, for we have no idea what problems may come to us on any given day.”  In Today’s SD we are looking at Solomon’s observation from visiting people on the highway.

            “9  Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10  For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11  Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12  And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”

            In the previous sections we were looking at individuals, but now Solomon begins to look and consider the importance of friendship and also the value of working together with others.  When it comes to working Solomon teaches us that it is better to work with someone than doing the work on your own.  I surely agree with this because I for one do not like to work alone, but I know others do, and to me I can get more than twice as much work done when working with another person and I think that is what Solomon is talking about here in verse nine.

            In verse one Solomon speaks about how much better it is for two to walk together than just one walking alone.  Walking was probably the way most people got around during Solomon’s time on earth and this was the way it was right up until the time when the automobile was invented.  It was far less dangerous to walk with another person than to walk alone, and besides there can be good times of fellowship by walking with another person.  I know from the Scriptures that Jesus and His disciples did a lot of walking together and I am sure it was a great time for Jesus to teach His disciples as they walked together.  So we can see that this walking with another is not only good for physical situations like falling down or getting hurt or staving off robbers, but it is also good for spiritual things too.  “1 ¶  Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2  Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:1-2).” 

            Next we see in verse eleven that two are better than one when it comes to warmth.  As we have already noted people walked to get around and so if they went longer distances then they would have to camp out or them may even have to stay in a courtyard at a public inn, so when it got cold and it does get cold in the winter months in Palestine it is better to be with someone to keep warm together.

            Now finally we see in verse twelve that two are better than one when it comes to watchcare, and this means especially at night.  “By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped (Eccl. 4:12 The Message).”  When you’re on the road it is best not to travel alone, and if you can travel with more than one other it is better still for as Solomon says a three strand cord is difficult to break.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  As true believers in Jesus Christ we are never alone, but I like the wisdom that Solomon gives here for both the physical tasks  of life along with the Spiritual things we go through for having someone to encourage you is far better than to try and go it alone. 

            I see the wisdom of God in this section.

My Steps of Faith for Today:  Keep in closer contact with the Lord as I go throughout my day today so that He can guide me and cause me to make good decisions.

Memory verse for the week:  2 Corinthians 5:17

            17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old has passed away; behold, new things have come.

Answer to yesterday’s Bible Question:  “Elijah” (2Kings 2:11).

Today’s Bible Question:  “What book records the transition from the period of judges to that of the monarchy and gives the history of Saul, Israel’s first king?”

Answer in Tomorrow’s SD.

4/29/2013 11:05 AM