“And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two.” - Mark 6:7a
Here we have the disciples being sent out into the mission field for the very first time. They had followed Jesus for a while, learning from him and growing in their faith. Now it was time for them to go out and share who Jesus was all over Israel. For this first journey, Jesus doesn’t send them out alone, but in pairs.
The language of “two by two” brings a very clear image to mind - that of the animals boarding the ark. There, the animals are paired for their species survival, here I would say that the intent is similar. The pairs of animals were meant to multiply and spread across all the earth. The disciples were meant to multiply and spread faith in Jesus just as far.
God knew that we humans do better in pairs. In the very beginning he realized it was not good for man to be alone and created Adam a mate. It is why he continued to grow his followers into tribes and nations, so they could follow him together. It’s why we are called to corporate worship and to share our lives on the Christian path. Whether leading an event, volunteering at church, or simply going through the trials of daily life, it is always easier to do it with others.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
Let’s thank God that he’s brought us together, that through our church family we will always have someone to lift us up when we fall! If you are currently struggling, currently needing someone to lift you up, and especially if you feel all alone, please reach out. I know, it’s scary, but you are not alone. Whether brand new or a decades long member, you are surrounded by people who care, people who are willing to help. I have been blessed many times over by the generous hearts of our community and am continually blown away by the authentic connections I’ve found here.
Lord, thank you for creating us to be in community - with you and with others. Please strengthen my current relationships and send me opportunities to deepen my involvement with my own Christian community. In Jesus name, Amen.
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