Threefold Chord
As I sit down to record these things to posterity it comes to mind that I am only the tip of a pen. The tip of a pen has no glory. It is not at all coincidental that the tip is split by a knife1 in order to collect a supply of writing fluid. It is pressure from the hand that wields the pen which lays the ink down. It is the script on the page which is then read and distributed and which creates the desired effect. In the days of writing instruments made from bird quills it was the author of a work who shaped and sharpened the pen as he began to prepare to write. The hand that forms, shapes and holds the pen is God’s hand2.
When the mind that forms the thoughts behind the writing of an article is controlled by the Holy Spirit it becomes an expression of the wisdom of God. This requires that these things are performed in such a manner that God is free to pen the work without resistance, impedance, error or any human influence.
This is what is meant by the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:1-2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
If there is any error or nuance of imperfection it is the fault of the human instrument. If the pen breaks, or becomes dull it is not the fault of the hand, or the page. “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judges me is the Lord.” – I Corinthians 4:4 A witness to the wisdom is God requires the formation of “the three fold cord.”
Within the law the witness of three is sufficient to convict or acquit. Within scripture there are many references to the principle of the three fold cord:
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he has not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” – Genesis 2: 24
The family is the basic building block of human society. When there is not a proper understanding of this principle a society becomes weak. Modern science grudgingly admits that a child brought up in a proper family relationship fares better. It is a proven fact that such a child prospers in this environment. The child is able to adapt and overcome the trials of life and become a responsible adult. This is passed on to his children and his children’s children. “Broken homes” are at the base of most social ills in modern society. But, it takes more than two to make a family work. It takes three. This is why the marriage vows used to say “What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder.” It is God who binds a man to his wife, and a wife to her husband.
“God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the gods. How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.” – Psalm 82
“Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?3 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, you blaspheme; because I said, I am the Son of God?” – John 10:34-36
The origin of the principle of the threefold cord is none other than the Holy Trinity of the Godhead; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When the law of God is observed to the fullest of human ability, the Godhead is able to render the cord unbreakable. The same three persons of the Holy Trinity who were responsible for the creation are also its preservation. When God is the first of the three chords in any endeavor, it becomes a witness of Him, and for the sake of His beloved Son4, He will not allow that chord to be easily broken.
The blending of two persons into one flesh through providence forms a union that cannot be broken. It is a union held together by the power and promise of God that created and preserves the universe. It is this example of humanity that shows us the truth of our condition. The marriage union was designed by God as a living example of love, justice and order. Divorce for reasons of infidelity shows us why scripture tells us that the chord is “not easily broken” and not “impossible to break.”
“[God] is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” – Deuteronomy 32:4
“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good.” – Numbers 23:19
All of this is the point where three become one. It is the witness and origin of the Peculiar Confluence, which is God.
Loading ...