November 3, 2016 - A CORD OF THREE STRANDS

Day 308 - Ecclesiastes Thursday (Chapters 3-4)

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV) 

This is one of my favorite texts to use for a wedding. “Two are better than one.” This is why God created marriage in the first place. Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (Genesis 2:18 ESV)

Husband and wife can lift each other up, keep each other warm, and prevail against an enemy. However, the next thought is the key.

“A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”  The key to a successful Christian is husband and wife AND JESUS! When Jesus is at the center of their marriage and home, God blessings flow in.

Oh, blest the house, whate'er befall,
Where Jesus Christ is all in all!
A home that is not wholly His--
How sad and poor and dark it is!

Oh, blest that house where faith is found
And all in hope and love abound;
They trust their God and serve Him still
And do in all His holy will!
(Oh, Blest the House, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #862)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of marriage and the family. Lord Jesus, thank You for your promise to be present whenever couples are joined in Your name. Please bless all Christian marriages with Your presence and Your blessings. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf