The Most True Friend

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 

9 Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.

10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

This passage is often used of the union of man and wife, man and woman, in marriage.  This is rightly so, but is not the only application of these truths of the synergy of two of the closest friends who can rely on each other through life’s journey.  Ultimately it applies to the union we have in Christ who is closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24) and calls us friends (John 15:14-15).  The principles include that the synergy of two working together can do far more than one working alone in synergy, which word we now use to explain how two medicines can amplify the combined effect of each of taken on its own.  It is true in close friendships and the relationships between spouses, and also for each of us with the Lord Jesus who is the ultimate friend and the husband of the church of whom all true believers are His bride.  Our labor together in the physical realm is far greater than alone and we are able to support each other when difficulties arise which are hard to face alone (Galatians 6:2).  Those who have nobody to trust and to lean on for support to lift them up usually find woe and sorrow in their troubles.  In marriage we see how two can keep each other warm at night physically and in the hearts in soul and spirit in their deep love of the ultimate friendship this side of heaven.  Yes, when threatened to be overpowered by another two together can wage the good fight to keep safe against the assaults of the enemy, in friendship or marriage and especially in our relationship with the Lord by the indwelling presence of God as the Holy Spirit.  That threefold cord of a man and wife with the Lord present in each is one not soon broken!  The most true friend is the one we are yoked to in life with Christ and in eternity there is none closer.  May we treasure both in the strength of that synergy.