Musing – What is better than two strands of cord? Three strands!

Hebraic Musing – What is better than two strands of cord?  Three strands!

What is the real message behind this familiar little couplet in the book of Ecclesiastes?  “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”  Eccl. 4:12   NIV     I’ve used this verse to stress the need for God in marriage relationships; and we will unpack that next week.

Just recently I heard of a “Buddy Bench” and googled it to find a plethora of information.  Here’s an excerpt – “A buddy bench helps kids not be left out on the playground.  Students who feel lonely or left out can sit on the buddy bench.  If a student doesn't have someone to play with, they can sit on the bench and the other students know to ask them to come and join in.  There's a time when every kid feels left out, lonely or doesn't know who to play with on the playground."  Sounds to me like God is moving the students to act righteously.

The “Buddy Benches” are becoming a popular schoolyard concept, but…   How many people do we see every day who feel left out, who need a friend, who want someone to talk to, who are suffering from a case of loneliness? 

Do we also need “Buddy Benches” installed in stores, offices, public buildings, restaurants, parks, etc.? 

Do we also need “Buddy Benches” installed in our home for family members? 

Do we also need “Buddy Benches” installed in our churches for hurting members?

Do we also need “Buddy Bench” in our home in case our spouse needs a place to sit?

Conclusion - Without God in any relationship, people can and do hurt, consume and victimize each other.  When we bring God into a relationship as the third strand, we can start loving our neighbor righteously. 

Points to ponder

How can we defend one (our “neighbor”) from feeling overpowered?

What could life be like if Almighty God was in every one of our relationships?

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.  Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”  Romans 15:1-3

Thank you Lord for being the third strand in all our relationships.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd,                                  May 3, 2016

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”  “Biblical Marriage”
“Musings v.1 – A Victorious Life”   “Musings v.2 – The Torah and New Testament”
Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      www.InsightsByYosef.com

Next Week’s Hebraic Musing - Why is that third strand of cord so important?