“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. Moreover, if two lie together, they keep each other warm: but how can it be warm with one who is alone? But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up...And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” Ecclesiastes 4;9-12
The rich old man was dying. He looked around at all his priceless possessions and realized, in short order, they would no longer be his. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing everything he’s worked for so he called in three of his most trusted friends.
“I want you to liquidate all my possessions and bring me the cash.”
The friends complied and in short order returned with $6 million. The old man thanked them and handed each of them a briefcase and said “each of you, take $2 million, put it in your briefcase, and when I die...put those briefcases in my casket. I am not going to lose everything I worked for.” The friends agreed so, when they old man died all three of them dutifully placed their briefcases inside the casket next to the corpse of the old man.
After the funeral service they stopped for coffee and discussed the strange request. During the conversation one friend interrupted. “I have a confession to make. My wife required major surgery and I was unable to pay so I took $250 thousand out of the briefcase. I feel so guilty.” There was a brief silence before another of the friends spoke and said “I understand. I lost a fortune on some investments and had to borrow from my briefcase. I hate to admit it but that briefcase was short nearly a half a million dollars.” He began sobbing with guilt. The third friend remained silent for a time before saying “I’m really disappointed in both of you. Our friend trusted us with his money and you both are scoundrels...no matter what reasons you have.” The accusation pained the other two but after some time one of them asked “were you not even tempted to take any money?”
To which to righteous man replied “of course. I took all the cash but...I replaced it with a check for the full amount. I’m not a thief!”
Solomon’s observations regarding the emptiness of life explain why so many people fail to even attempt making something of themselves; they see that no matter how hard they work, in the end, “you can’t take it with you.” This is the case of a man who is quite alone, without a son or brother, yet he works hard to keep gaining more riches. And to whom will he leave it all, and why is he giving up so much now? It is all so pointless and depressing.
Yet, there is one reprieve from the meaninglessness of life; friends. Friends lighten the burden of our labor. Friends fill the loneliness of our solitude. Friends support us when we’re in need. Friends offer warmth. Friends provide safety safety. Friends bring strength. And a true bond of friendship cannot easily be broken.
Stuff rusts. Stuff decays. Stuff can’t follow us beyond the grave so, why do we place so much value on it? Friendships, on the other hand, if bound together by that third cord...faith in Jesus Christ...last for eternity. I think of Bruce and Hulus, friends from my youth; both in Heaven. I haven’t seen the last of them.
I wonder how many of my friends I will see again. But, I shouldn’t wonder. If I’m a true friend I should be asking that question; “do you know where you will spend eternity?” Their answer will let us know...and, if necessary, open the door for an important conversation.
Live boldly out there today...
