READ: Ecclesiastes 4 (Focus vs. 8-10)
MEMORY VERSE
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 nlt
BACKGROUND
Climbing Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls is an exhilarating experience. Water cascades over the smooth rocks of the falls on its way to the Caribbean. I
t’s a challenge as climbers battle the water’s flow to make their way to the top. For a teenager named JW, it’s a near impossibility. He’s sight-impaired, with only a pinhole view of the world.
But JW was determined to climb, and his friend Josiah was willing to team up with him. Josiah was JW’s eyes—telling him which slippery rocks to avoid and where to put his hands and feet. And JW was Josiah’s heart—showing him what courage looks like.
So much of life is like that daunting climb: We shouldn’t walk alone. King Solomon points us to that truth. “Two people are better than one, for they can help each other succeed” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 nlt).
Both Josiah and JW were attempting something special—and they could do it only in tandem. The passage continues: “If either [person] falls down, one can help the other up” (v. 10). But neither fell and neither failed. Together, they reached their goals.
God’s design for people, presented clearly by Solomon and demonstrated vividly by these two teenagers, is that we work together. The tasks God calls us to do are best done with others—each using what skills and emotions God has given to bring an outcome that points to Him.
Dave Branon
INSIGHT
The book of Ecclesiastes—written from the perspective of “under the sun” (1:14) or the human experience on earth—seems to be one long lament. What’s it all about? Does anything ultimately matter? Why even try?
That forlorn theme continues here, as the writer (called “the Teacher” in 1:1) observes “a man all alone” (4:8). Eventually this solitary figure asks himself, “For whom am I toiling?” The Teacher observes, “This too is meaningless—a miserable business!” (v. 8).
Yet Ecclesiastes also recognizes that there is a life worth living. The wise man declares, “Two are better than one” (v. 9) and points to a specific reason why doing life together is preferred: “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (v. 10).
God lovingly equips us to help each other and in turn to accept help. Our necessary interdependence reminds us of our complete reliance on God and His goodness.
Tim Gustafson
APPLICATION
Why is it important to serve with others? How does it feel when you team up to point people to God?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS
“God’s design for people…is that we work together. The tasks God calls us to do are best done with others—each using what skills and emotions God has given to bring an outcome that points to Him.”
“God lovingly equips us to help each other and in turn to accept help. Our necessary interdependence reminds us of our complete reliance on God and His goodness.” Today’s Insight
PR’s TAKE
“T.E.A.M. – Together Each Achieves More”
“If you want to go far travel alone. If you want to go farther, travel with someone.” African Proverb
PRAYER
“Dear God, please help me team up with You and others to accomplish Your mission on earth.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY” Mahalia Jackson
If I can help somebody, as I travel along
If I can help somebody, with a word or song
If I can help somebody, from doing wrong
No, my living shall not be in vain
No, my living shall not be in vain
No, my living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody, as I’m singing the song
You know, my living shall not be in vain
