We aren’t meant to journey alone.
My pastor pointed out in a recent sermon, that Jesus sent his disciples out to preach in pairs. “Calling the twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.” Mark 6:7
He went on to say that we weren’t meant to walk our faith journey alone. I wasn’t unfamiliar with the passage. It appears in Matthew and Luke as well. It seems that all through the Bible, there are countless examples of God sending a friend or family member to help someone on their walk to follow Him.
There’s Adam and Eve, Moses and Aaron, David and Jonathon, Ruth and Naomi, Mary and Elizabeth, Paul and Timothy, just to name a few. God knows that we are wired for close relationship. It strengthens us and helps us grow. It also makes us accountable and keeps us safe.
A faith friend who loves us and loves God will gently call us out when we are getting off the path, not in condemnation, but in love. There’s safety in numbers.
The entire idea of going to church on Sunday for an hour and doing a little Bible reading at home and praying is fine, but we need relationship to sharpen each other. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
So, Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs. They preached and healed people and cast out demons. They did great things together in Jesus’ name. I wonder how often one of the pair got tired or discouraged or afraid. We don’t really get many details from the text, but I think it’s probably safe to assume that the road wasn’t always smooth for them. Jesus warned them ahead of time if they weren’t welcomed, that they should shake the dust off of their feet when they left.
Why would he say that if he didn’t expect opposition? I’m guessing it would have been much easier to give up, when things got tough, if they were sent out alone. But, as always, Jesus had their backs.
He has ours too. We still have that opposition today. When we really try to grow spiritually closer to God and walk more closely with Jesus, or try to follow some new dream God has given us, we will get push back. It’s really foolish of us not to expect it, but here’s where our faith friends really shine.
They not only keep us safe and help us grow; they encourage us to keep going and never give up, keeping our eyes focused on Jesus. We are also instructed to be a faith friend to others. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
In an ever more isolated world, where we sit at home and stare at smartphones and computers and don’t even have telephone conversations anymore, perhaps it’s more important than ever to seek out faith friends and community. Sunday School classes, small groups, or inviting another Christian who may be struggling or one who may be completely solid in their faith, to have coffee are all great possibilities to weave that faith net that we so desperately need, that net that Jesus wants us to have.
I’m taking a close look at that net and making sure it’s woven tightly with many different believers. I’m also praying that I’m an integral part of the faith nets of other believers. How’s your faith net? It’s never too late to add people or to get it started. You never have to walk alone. That’s the beauty of grace.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂