The author of Ecclesiastes is often overwhelmed with grief or confusion. “All is vanity!” is something he says a lot. But do you want to know what he never says is futile? Friendship.
In our day, friendship is on life-support. Sure, you may have a bunch of online “friends,” but that’s not what this is about. We are talking about true, solid, faith-based friendships. Why has friendship become difficult for so many people? Perhaps it has to do with the prevailing spirit of rugged individualism, or perhaps ongoing social isolation, political polarization, busyness, or even the hyper-sexualization of our culture.
Whatever the reason, “two are better than one.” As he navigates the difficulty of life, the Teacher points to the refreshing reality that our relationships (including friendships) can be a source of help, comfort, and even protection.
This sermon explores Ecclesiastes 3:16 - 4:16. William Ham writes: “There are many things which a person can do alone, but being a Christian is not one of them.”