“The joy set before Jesus Christ was to present us holy and blameless to His Father so that we might once again be in fellowship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. A grand reunion! The ultimate end of all loneliness.”- Ruth Graham
“For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”- Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
In Chapter 3 (“The Best of Company”) of Transforming Loneliness, Ruth Graham underscores that it’s not a good thing for anyone to be alone (Genesis 2:18). Thus, God designed and built us for community. It’s part of our DNA. Furthermore, writing in For the Lonely, Annie Lent observes: “Adam was enjoying his fellowship with God. But God saw that Adam needed a friend, helper, and companion.”
Above all, Ruth finds it fascinating to witness this decision of Jesus. To model for us the vital importance of connection, community, and belonging. Because in His earthly ministry, we see Jesus choosing to build close and meaningful relationships to accomplish His work on earth. Hence, Jesus chose to work in community. Rather than alone.
In conclusion, Ms. Graham stresses our need to equip ourselves with an eternal perspective. Therefore, Ruth exhorts:
“You and I, like all of humanity, were designed for community in the image of God. In this lonely world, however, that community is fractured. From the time that first sweet relationship between God and man was broken, God set in place His eternal plan — and you and I are going to need to keep that eternal perspective as we move through . . . the coming chapters of our lives. . . .
Let’s also hold fast to the fact that God is not only involved in what happened in our eternal future, God is deeply involved in our present reality!”
Today’s question: How do you see fellowship with the Trinity as the ultimate end of all loneliness? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Combat loneliness – first identify it”
