God Made Us to Be in Community
Does the phrase “two by two” conjure up images of God sending the animals to Noah to enter the ark two by two (Genesis 7:8-9)? This need for pairs of animals is so they can repopulate their species after the flood. A single animal accomplishes nothing.
Be Fruitful and Multiply
God’s first recorded command in the Bible is telling Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28). He repeats this instruction to Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:1).
God wants his children—his people—to produce more children, just as he wants everything in his creation to produce offspring and sustain itself. No one or no animal can accomplish this by themselves. They need a partner.
Iron Sharpens Iron
King Solomon writes that just as iron sharpens iron, so, too, one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). Living our faith in isolation isn’t good. We need our brothers and sisters to help us grow and become all we can be.
Two are Better Than One
Another time, King Solomon writes that two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). If one falls, the other can help them up. If they’re by themself, however, they struggle alone.
Solomon concludes his thought by saying a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. So, too, we need each other.
Go Out Two by Two
Jesus recognizes Solomon’s wisdom when he sends out his followers to spread his good news and help advance the Kingdom. First, he sends out his twelve disciples, two by two (Mark 6:7).
Later he appoints seventy-two more people to go out, again two by two (Luke 10:1).
Jesus knows that by sending them in pairs, they’ll be more effective. They’ll help each other, strengthening and encouraging one another to complete their mission.
God Created Us for Community
God exists in community, with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And he created us to be in community with him. In the same way God created us to be in community with each other.
Fellowship with other believers. Seek community with like-minded followers of Jesus. In doing so, we’ll grow and thrive. And this starts two by two.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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