United

We read in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  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.”

If you look casually, a rope appears to contain only two strands. But it is impossible to create a braid with only two strands. If the two could be put together at all, they would quickly unravel! It takes a third strand to give strength to the other two.

What will make a marriage infinitely stronger is that third strand – Jesus Christ! What will make brothers and sisters in Christ infinitely stronger is that third strand – Jesus Christ!

Each cord is intertwined with the others, so intertwined that you become one.

Romans 15:5-6 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

One day as I was thinking about unity, the Lord gave me some insight. When two people get married, they tie the knot, they are united. When divorce happens, the knot is untied.

United vs. Untied.

Both words have the exact same letters in them. The difference? The “i” and the “t” are switched around.

When UNI (you and I) stand together we are united!
When UNI (you and I) stand before the cross (t), we are united!
Bottom line…I need to stand before the cross!

Jesus prayed, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name – the name You gave Me – so that they may be one as We are one” (John 17:11).

Father, may we be one.