Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17 NASB
From the beginning of creation, the Lord determined that man was not good as a creature of his kind, alone. Though he was surrounded with animals and had fellowship with God, in order to carry out the mandate he was given, he needed the company and help of another like him. For this reason, God took out of his own kind and created the woman, by whom man would multiply his kind through out the earth, Genesis 2:18. This word ‘alone’ here means in Isolation or separate or being by ones self. God created man and gave him a support system in order to function. Man’s first support system is God and afterwards his brethren .
When the Son of God came to earth, God, still understanding that Jesus was in flesh did not bring Him into the world in Isolation. Jesus was born into a fully functional family, with a mother and father, brothers and sisters, Matthew 13:55-56. When He started His ministry, He also needed a support system and God provided twelve disciples who were to always be with Him. Of these twelve, there were three in His inner circle: Peter, James and John. Jesus, while being God, needed men with Him when facing one of the greatest trials of His life in gethsemane, Matthew 26:36-38. In setting up His church when He was heading back to the Father, He made it in such a way that it functioned as a body. He intentionally shared gifts amongst men so that we all know in part and need each other to survive. Ephesians 4:11-14 says that for the sake of perfecting the Church and having a bride in full stature, He gave her the gifts of men. The only hope of perfection for us as saints is together as a body.
Part of the need for a body of people is love. God is love and this nature can only be expressed when there is an object of love. Hence, He showed His love towards us and commands that we do the same, John 15:12-14. In essence, the body is a place to learn and practice being as Christ is in the heaven. The Lord ordained it that the world will only believe He is the Christ when they see his brethren (brethren meaning people born from the same womb) living together in love and unity, John 17:22-23. Psalm 133 says that in the midst of this union, the eternal life, the great blessing that men seek after will be seen. Another need for a body of people is for strength. Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-11, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?“. He also says in Proverbs 27:17 that as iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens his companion. A thing to note here is that the two pieces of metal are of the same kind. For there to be a positive effect of the interaction, there would need to be a communality, being of the same kind and purpose. This is why Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:14 warned of being yoked with an unbeliever.
There was a time where the fate of Israel depended on the strength of Moses, yet in that time he was weak. He needed an Aaron and Hur to strengthen his hands, Exodus 17:10-14. Paul needed a Barnabas and companions throughout his journey in life and to provoke him to love and good works. Jesus needed his disciples, Luke 8:1-3. The days coming are evil times and the bible says the love of many will wax cold. In fellowship is where we can provoke one another to love, where we keep our hearts warm. Hebrews 10:24- 25 (TPT) says we are to discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love. This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing, because we need each other! In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning, the coming of our Lord. It is of necessity that we who fear the Lord speak often, one to another. Here the weak hands are strengthened, the feeble knees are confirmed and the Lord opens a book of remembrance. It is from these sort who speak to each other in love, support and strengthen one another that the Lord, as He said in Malachi 3:16-18, will announce His Jewels.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus thank you for always being my companion and friend, my strength and ever present help in trouble. Thank you for not only noting my need for companionship, but also providing a body and brethren who can support me, rebuke me when I am going astray and strengthen me when I am weak. With them, I know I have a good reward for my labours. Lord help me to get along with my brethren, knowing they are Your brethren also. Let love and Unity exist among us and if there be any be in isolation, Father, please find that person a companion, for it is not good that we walk through this earth without fellowship.
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