Isolation is one of the principle weapons of our enemy. If the devil cannot divide us from God, he will divide us from one another. The reason for separating the saints is that we draw strength from one another in our mutual Savior Jesus Christ. This is the reason many churches have schisms and that dear brothers and sisters in the lord split over trifles. Our enemy knows that a "house divided against itself cannot stand." (Mark 3:25). We become vulnerable alone.
Going two by two is not a doctrine of the church or some wise teacher. It is the very commission Christ gave. Our Lord said, "Go two by two into the towns, taking not a cloak, a walking stick, or even purse. You will caste out demons, heal the sick, and do wonders." (Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1-5, Luke 9:3). Why did Jesus send them two by two? The answer is multi-layered. Firstly, when you are there are two or more people fear loses power. IF you know you are not alone when proclaiming the Message, that there is another who believes as you do, you have confidence. Secondly, when one disciple is ministering, the other can be assisting and praying. This two pronged approach makes it possible to work effectively. Thirdly, in twos people can witness your love for one another. Jesus said, "They will know you are mine because of your love for one another." (John 13:35). No one can know that the love of God resides in you if there is not another person you share that mutual love with. Fourthly, when spiritual attack, obstacles, depression, fears, injuries, and more happen, one can minister and help the other. An example is if one disciple feels afraid or depressed, the second disciple can pray for them and help them by reciting the words of Christ, or even deliver them from the bondage via spiritual warfare. Fifthly, it is safer to be in twos. Bandits and other bad folk tend to prey on those who are alone, but when there are two or more they reconsider if it is worth it. While this may not always be the case, a band of evil doers can seize two men or women, numbers help, because one might be able to get away and get the authorities.
Near the hour of Christ's crucifixion, Jesus commissioned his disciples again, "this time take your purse, take a cloak, take a walking staff, and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." (Luke 22:36). This time around Jesus is warning his disciples to be armed, because persecution is coming and He will not be physically present all the time to calm the storms like He did on the Sea of Galilee.
It is important as Christians that we not be isolated and insular. At least find one other person, one brother or sister in Christ to spend time with. If you have many friends who follow Jesus then great! But we all need at least one person to encourage us, to encourage, to pray for us, to pray for, to revive us with God's hope, and to help revive in Christ.
This post was inspired by the two men in the painting. St. Constantine (not Emperor Constantine) and St. Methodius. The image of two men in clerical garb drew my attention. While they both are Russian Orthodox, I think the difference of their outfits fits will with the idea of going in two. One is wearing a more black tunic and cloak, the other white with red crosses. To me this represents how two people may be different as the disciple under Jesus Christ. So often we see people leaving each other over petty differences, when they should celebrate them! If you disagree on something like the Rapture, wither there is double return of Christ (Rapture and Second Coming) or singular Return (Second Coming) should not be a reason to part ways! Instead "bear one another's burdens," (Galatians 6:2) and "hold on to what is good.." (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Don't let the devil divide you over wither you should use two fingers or three to genuflect.
Of course, partings happen for reasons. Sometimes the season is over, two people must go different ways because they called to different peoples and places. But rather than ruin the friendship, why not bid each other a fond and loving farewell?! You toiled together for a time, now you must trek separate paths. Leave each other in love and commend one another to Christ. Then be sure to find another person who wants to go on the journey. For St. Paul worked with Barnabas for a season, then He worked with Peter, then Timothy, and so on. There is tendency when people must leave one another to do so in hurtful ways, but that is not how it has to be! You can leave with hug and a kiss, and say, "May the Lord bless you and keep you, May he make his face shine upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26).
There are times when you will have to stand alone, or rather with Jesus only. When it seems that all people have betrayed. St. Paul mentions this when he says, "At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth.." (2 Timothy 4:16). But until that happens, until the circumstances of Christ should have you for a time be alone, choose to be with others! It is one thing for God to decide for you to be a hermit for a time, but to make the decision of your own is detrimental! Without others, we cannot easily see our sin and grow spiritually! While yes there are exemptions for introverted and introspective people who can find their faults with Father's help and fix them with Christ's blood. But many need company and verse, "do not neglect the assembly of the brethren of believers," () should cause us pause. Back then the assembly was not a building, but Christians meeting in houses and strengthening one another through the Message, music (worship), and a meal.
Ultimately, your relationship with Jesus Christ alone is paramount. All you need is Jesus. However, if you should come across another who believes this, then there are two who need only Jesus. Together you shall strengthen each other. As always be moved by the Holy Spirit and stand for the Truth of God's Word (The Bible). You should not be in unity with liars, deceivers, false prophets, false teachers, and false believers (like Jehovah Witnesses). But if should find a fellow brother or sister in the Way, The Truth, and Life (Jesus Christ) then befriend them!
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