... a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
One strand of cord can easily be severed. Two strands of cord can be stretched and pulled until they split. But a threefold cord is not easily broken.
Scripture never tells us exactly what these three strands symbolize. But here are some ideas that I have found:
1. Ham, Shem, and Japheth. Family ties. Man had a serious rupture from Adam to Noah. But with his three sons to help him, Noah survived.
2. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Covenant relationship. naming these three and claiming the blessings that were given to them through covenant is the very basis of our faith.
3. The Law, the prophets, and the scriptures. These three make up the truth as revealed to Israel.
4. Spirit, Soul, and Body. All three of these must function in harmony in order for man to live life.
5. Husband, wife, and child. The basic family unit.
6. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity. God Himself is a community of three.
7. ( your thoughts) I have left this one blank so you can send me your suggestions.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
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3 comments:
I have often thought about this one myself Bishop. I had always considered it to be Father, Son and Holy Spirit and how that fellowship is an example for us. But in breaking that down for us, and just now considering your question, perhaps it could also be God, myself and my neighbor. First having that covenant relationship with God will lead to that same sort of relationship with others. In turn, our neighbor(s) will learn how to be in covenant relationship with Him and others as well. When we all stand together, we are able to win others to His Kingdom no matter what is happening in the world around us. I have learned the true meaning of covenant fellowship and family not only through my studies, but also through simply experiencing it at The Father's House. Thank you for your posts Bishop. Hugs from here.
VERY NICE....
"GOD, MYSELF AND MY NEIGHBOR"
The Power of Three: from William Gilbert (Billy's Dad):
"The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob".. used 6-7 times in the Torah to refer to God; the Jews know their God as "One", but by referring to Him this way they also acknowledge that He is Three-in-One. Perhaps they unknowingly refer to the Trinity by this phrase.
The God of Abraham can be thought of as God the Father of promise, as in the Abrahamic Covenant;
the God of Isaac, as God the Son of sacrifice, for Isaac's sacrifice had important features of Jesus' sacrifice (he carried the wood up to Mt. Moriah and then was laid on the wood), and the God of Jacob, as God the Holy Spirit of transformation, for Jacob was transformed to Israel.
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