Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. KJV
The Blessing of Brotherhood
Brothers. They come in all shapes and sizes. It is always amazing that the same two parents can produce such a wide variety of personalities in one family. Dr. Kevin Leman in his world acclaimed book, The Birth Order Book, published first in 1982, describes the family dynamics that create diverse personalities between the first born, second born and third within a family. A fascinating study that is accurate by the observation of many observers of the human family. Solomon is his writing in Ecclesiastes describes how two unrelated people, can develop the brotherhood status despite no blood lineage. He is not alone in this understanding. Many groups of firefighters, policeman, soldiers, college fraternities and various assembly of people speak of brotherhood, family, and various announcements of bonds that have been forged by the sufferings, and victories on life. Some single purpose, and live event that has so forged two people together, the dynamic of brotherhood is invoked.
Solomon describes it quite simply. “Two are better than one.” Anyone who has ever walked the course of living and have experienced life’s curves and hills may quickly agree. Growing up in a home with seven brothers, I can tell you how true that is. Through the years, I have learned how valuable it is to have a trusted brother even as a defense of the another brother. As a young sibling at six years old, when I wanted to learn to swim with my brothers, they said I would have to learn like they did. Eager to join in to the obvious hijinks they were up to, I readily agreed. At my young age, I had not learned how to swim, but I knew I wanted to learn. My older brother, Jack, smiled and said, “Okay, here you go!”. He picked me up to begin my first swimming lesson. I trusted his strong young arms, my first mistake. I should have realized his method of teaching may include a few panicked bubbles. He quickly launched me into the canal that was located behind our country home. As I fluttered, spit, and sputtered, I hopeless sank with my young life flashing before my eyes. My other older brother, Brian, quickly came to my aid, bringing me up from the depths of the canal. I was sure at this point, it had to be hundreds of feet deep. While in truth, it was just barely deeper than my young sub-five-foot height, Brian’s help in a middle of my crises was a lifesaver. He was just what I needed. He rescued me in the nick of time. Through both of their efforts, I would soon accomplish my desire. Before the afternoon was over, I was kicking, floating, and swimming as we all kicked and splashed in the summer shade– laughing, splashing, and goofing off. With a brother, one can accomplish new things for our life.
Secondly, Solomon explains a second aspect. He has designed this life to be shared with others. Why? It magnifies its joys, and bears it sorrows. We hold each other up, and give each other strength. In the church, by partnering with another brother of like precious faith, we draw something from each other that opens our lives to new depths, new understandings, and new experiences. A second aspect of Solomon’s observation is that there is an exponential reward as two brothers partner together. One person’s strength, gains greater, more dynamic strength as we link hearts, heads, and arms. God was expressing this in Deuteronomy 32:30, when he said, “How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the Lord had surrendered them?” NKJV The reward of laboring together is so much sweeter. When two brothers grab a hammer, a paint brush, or plan a children’s ministry project, the possibility of reward just ratcheted higher.
When I realize such, rich blessings, I must work to partner with my brother to build worthwhile life projects. Some projects are as simple as spreading the good news of the Gospel. When I stand with a brother of faith, and knock on the door of a stranger, it gives me greater hope of the outcome of each visit. “Who’s there?” a question rings out from behind the closed door. I look over at my brother, smile, and say, “The church.” As we cross the threshold to visit a shut-in, or to bring cheer to someone experiencing sickness, we have a greater possibility of reward. God helps us to accomplish more together by including others, a brother, and with each other make lasting change.
- Who is a person that you would call “a brother?
- What does the relationship dynamic bring to your life?
- What can you do, if you partner with someone this week, that will advance the Kingdom of God?