Two are better than one......

"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."
Ecclesiastes 4:9‭-‬10

I was walking Penelope last evening.... trust me I KNOW she's a dog....but God....he will use what's in our hand to teach us, show us and help us to see Him. 

This scripture came almost immediately to mind when I began to realize that my puppy, not me, is an attention getter. People don't really talk TO me. They talk to me through her. "Oh, she's so cute!" Leaving me to reply, "Thank you". Or "What kind of dog is she?" Or "LOOK at her prance!!" Now I'm not immune to doing the same.....kids and animals are right in my wheelhouse as conversation starters. A very close third is a great tattoo! But, here's the catch, I'm not particularly a good conversation starter. Those who know me might say, very graciously, "What? Talking is what you do like it's your job!" 😳 Yeah, point taken. DON'T get me started! 🤦🏻‍♀️ Anyways, that conversation is for another day. Perhaps .. slow to speak. .. sigh...

I began to ponder Jesus sending the disciples out two by two. In my last couple of writings I talked about Adam needing a suitable partner and why community is so important. Even in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ is better if not alone. Why?

First, it's important to see how and why this two by two was established and what it's importance was in biblical history.

These were supervised training missions. They gained experience and skills as they labored to spread the gospel. Initially the 12 were sent out. About a year later Jesus sent out all 72. The goal was to give them practical experience in evangelism and to prepare the people for a visit by him (Luke 10:1 - 20).Here are some other practical reasons:

"In a good partnership, two can accomplish more than each one individually. The sum will be greater than the parts." (Kidner)

"When two work and live together they can help each other in difficult times.." (EWC)

Everybody needs help, and it is a blessing both to give and to receive help.

"Teamwork approach shows that people can encourage and empower those they walk with."

As I was studying I ran into Deuteronomy 19:15 which says

"One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."

We're all familiar with "He said, She said".

In Jewish culture this was a legal requirement but it reasons that two are more believable than one.

By sending his disciples out two by two, Jesus foreshadowed the companionship and cooperation that would become the hallmark of the Spirit-filled church.

The concept of two instead of one, not only spreading the gospel, but in other areas of life came to light at a wedding I attended last weekend. The scripture was quoted during the wedding and I immediately thought how much better life was when there were two. 😔 Decisions, planning, conversations, chores, companionship. I am not good at walking into a gathering alone. I will often try to arrange a "plus one". It matters not if it's church event or I'm meeting someone at a restaurant. If I know people or I don't. Even if I am expected I feel as if I'm a surprise. It's quite uncomfortable.

I have had wonderful conversations at the walking trail. Not because I start them but because Penelope draws them and then I feel comfortable engaging. 

Just yesterday I made a wonderful connection with a woman that works where my mom lives. She called me and introduced herself She loves my mom. Though I didn't know it at first, God sent her to me in perfect timing. I'm overwhelmed. She's done for her own mother what I'm doing now for my mom. She's already walked this path. She committed to walking with me. During our conversation I lamented that what makes it all harder is that my mom does not know the Lord. I had no idea if she was a believer either. But God did! Not that my mom's immediate care wasn't important but she viewed my mom's salvation as the number one priority. NOW she is on a mission!! She went to my mom immediately, talked to her and has called a Pastor's wife that used to work there as well and she's hoping the Pastor will come too. She IS who I've been praying for! Now I have my companion, my partner, my support and maybe, just maybe, we, together, can bring the peace that passes all understanding to a woman who's time is short.

I read this quote:

"Another reason He sent the disciples out in pairs was so that there would be a credible witness against those who rejected their preaching."

Thus far my mom has rejected my witness .....I considered, that it might not be me that she's meant to hear so I've prayed for God to send someone....He has done that for me and has provided for me a "plus one" to partner with me.

A team of two provides credibility and authority. It assures that those seeking help or guidance are having their needs met...... physically AND spiritually. And I realized that my mom doesn't even know she HAS spiritual need. 

I'm going to rest on this today:

He is a gracious, merciful God.

As I sit here this morning, even though I have tough calls to make, I feel blessed by the coolness in the air and the provision given. These are not easy times. But I'm thankful I don't have to ever carry the burden alone. God has sent many...an army really....but I must always remember he sent THE One, his son, to do for me, what I can't do for myself.

Be blessed today.