Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)

Rope. Maybe you have some hanging out in your garage or somewhere in your shed, coiled and hung up. Rope itself can seem pretty mundane, but it's actually one of mankind’s oldest tools. When made and used properly, a rope can do some pretty incredible things, like lifting stones to construct Stonehenge or even the pyramids! In order for rope to have strength and hold a heavy load, the fibrous material must be twisted and braided together. A rope is a great example of synergy, where the sum of the parts is greater working together than one individual part. King Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, makes the same point in the Scripture reading today: when fastened and integrated with the Lord and one another, greater is our force and the load we can carry.  

‍

The benefit of rope is that it can be used to gain a mechanical advantage, making tasks like hauling, pulling, lifting, and securing great weights possible for a human. Even more advantage can come when you add a good knot, which can be as equally important as the rope itself. Like a knot and a rope working together, I am reminded that being interwoven in our relationships with others takes close familiarity, or intimacy. And if that intimacy is not authentic, like a knot improperly tied, the relationship can quickly unravel.

After each verse of this passage, there is wisdom in how authentic intimacy with others can bless us. Beginning with the concept of strength in numbers, it is helpful to have someone be near to help when you can’t help yourself. We need friends to be vulnerable with when we fall. We need friends that we can be honest and ask to help share the burden we carry. Who is that friend in your life? Or do you need to ask and pray for the Lord to shape you to be that friend? I am reminded that Jesus chose three disciples out of his twelve to have more intimate experiences and conversations with. Jesus also allowed them to see more of his glory. These disciples weren’t loved any more or less than the others, they just shared in a different closeness of relationship. We need these relationships too, because together we are stronger than alone.  

‍

King Solomon goes on to explain the benefits of intimacy in marriage. When a closeness is shared, it creates warmth, something we all understand the need for in Alaska! Do you have such a relationship, that it gives you warmth? One that inspires and encourages, fills you up and spurs you on? Such relationships are vital in allowing one to feel known and loved, but they require authentic intimacy. You can’t just go through the motions in a marriage and expect warmth. Like a rope exposed to the elements, twisted and woven in different directions, is the union of man and wife. When bound together, it is strengthened, can withstand more force, and can carry a heavier load.

‍

And finally, the last verse in this passage talks about the strength of two, but the power in the third: God himself. There is strength in being known and intimate with a friend or spouse, but there is power when stitched and woven together with God himself. When Jesus walked among us, he was always in perfect union with his Father and the Holy Spirit, walking in alignment and submitting to the will of his Father. Like Christ, we must submit to the Father and not go our own way. A union with God takes intimacy that cannot be artificial. What does intimacy in your relationship with God look like?

‍

The cord of three strands teaches us three different ways in which we can lean into intimacy to strengthen our relationships. In your relationships, where is God inviting you to more intimacy?

Heavenly Father, I praise you that you are our strength, that you draw us near to you. Thank you that we can have an intimate relationship with you through your son Jesus and that we are forgiven. Thank you, that you give us deep and connecting friendships. Help me to see where I can reach out and help someone in need. Help me to be real and vulnerable in my closest relationships and show me how I can grow in my intimacy with you, Lord. Amen.