Blake Allen, Dunbar Cave Campus Pastor, LHBC
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 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! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
One of the most touching moments in NBA history took place in a 2003 playoff game between the Portland Trailblazers and the Dallas Mavericks. Actually, it happened before the game began.
Natalie Gilbert was a 13-year-old 8th grader who had won the chance to sing the national anthem acapella before the game. Even though she had been in bed all day with a flu, she was determined to do her best. She was obviously nervous, and a few lines into the song, Natalie forgot the words. She stood there embarrassed in the spotlight in front the crowd and a national television audience. It had to be the most agonizing moment in Natalie’s young life – and everyone there was embarrassed for her as well.
But after only a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Maurice Cheeks, the Trailblazers head coach walked to Natalie’s side, put his arm around her and helped her with the words. They started singing together, and soon the entire crowd was singing the national anthem. His act of helping Natalie brought the entire crowd into the song. There was thunderous cheering when they all reached the words, “o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”
Natalie messed up, but fortunately there was someone there to help her recover, and she finished strong.
Yesterday, we talked about our Fellowship Matters series, discussing the importance of fellowship. There are times in life when we need a fellow brother or sister to give us a hand. As the verse states, “if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” The reality is we need one another and we cannot do life alone. The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation.
Genesis 2:18 tells us it is not good for man to be alone. This statement was said before Eve was given to Adam in marriage and it applies both to the married and unmarried. Hebrews 10:24-25 confirms this truth in stating, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
As we talked about this previous Sunday, God’s very essence is community. We serve a triune God whose being is communion. Community is intrinsically important to God.
When life knocks you down, when circumstances are undesirable, when life happens; we need a helping hand. We need people who will love us and encourage us in the dark times. Be sure to get in fellowship with other believers who will love and encourage you. Come to our Fellowship Matters series at one of our three locations and get plugged into a group!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to encourage one another and live in Biblical community. In Jesus’ name, amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Matthew 7:28-29
28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.