There is a mixture of thoughts in these verses but two subjects come through clearly, the problem of loneliness and the value of friendship. Of all the symptoms of our world today loneliness is the most prevalent. The first thing God said about man was that it was not good for him to be alone. So He provided Eve to man as a companion and helper. Loneliness is not just being alone. You can be lonely in a crowded room. Loneliness is the felt absence of any meaningful relationship with another person. It can touch every age group. It is a feeling of uselessness, or even unfulfilment. It is strongest when things are not working out for us as we think they should. Friendship on the other hand can mean so much. As Solomon said, "Two are better than one. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up." The picture is very clear and emphasises strongly the need of friend right throughout our lives. At different stages, friendships may change but the help friends can give remains the same. There are lonely people in all of our churches. The early church was as strong on fellowship as it was on teaching (Acts 2:42). Every church needs to develop the fellowship angle between those attending regularly and those visiting. Those who come for the first time are not looking for membership - they are looking for a relationship with the Lord's people. What do they find on their first visit to your church? At the same time, we all need to watch out lest we become sorry for ourselves. Solomon spoke twice in the first verse of those who had no comforter. A believer has the greatest comforter in the entire world - Christ Himself. Turn now to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and discover for yourself the truth that Christ is there to comfort us when we need it. He has promised to be with us always and He always keeps His word. Count on this today and every day. |
沒有留言:
張貼留言