Some time ago, the National Geographic Channel aired a series in which ten men were deposited on the remote reaches of Vancouver Island. The purpose of their journey was to find out which of them could survive the longest in the wild while being totally, as the title would describe, Alone. These men had no contact with anyone. Only if they radioed for assistance would they hear another human voice, but such a call meant their odyssey would come to an end.
Being alone is contrary to the life God would have for his people. In the beginning God created Adam but soon afterward made for him a helper and companion. Throughout the ages, God has blessed the human family that people may live in community with one another. In his book Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer explains that, for believers, community is a gift of God’s grace.
Not all live in such community. Many believers are dispersed throughout the world and live among those who have not believed Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Yet, our God calls some Christians to love and even live among their enemies. Speaking the Gospel of Christ to those who do not believe provides the building blocks of faith, which in turn serve as the seeds that sprout and grow into the fellowship of faith.
God does not intend for his people to live alone. Filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, believers have what is needed to introduce others to Christ. Hearing this Gospel bring others to faith, and through faith, Christ establishes the community of believers.
Holy God, we thank you for the community of faith and our life together through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
In the Beginning 