A THREE-FOLD CORD
By Bishop Jacob Afolabi
A low-maintenance Christian thrives on a three-fold cord of Faith.
A high-maintenance believer foolishly relies on a single strand.
In biblical studies and observations of Divine functions as expressed in nature, the numbers three and seven are often used as symbols of completeness and perfection.
We have the doctrine of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We have the three Christian Virtues – Faith, Hope, and Charity.
We also have the doctrine of Man as Tripartite – Body, Soul, Spirit.
Therefore, in Psalm 27:1-4, the Holy Spirit planted in the mind of David, the beautiful weaving of a number of three-fold cords when David was offering his prayers and praises to the Lord Jehovah, in the midst of unfavorable circumstances.
There is a threefold provision. “The lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall i fear? the lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall i be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Firstly, The Lord is my LIGHT…”The first requirement when we are confronted or confounded is to pleaded for the presence of LIGHT from God. Light reveals all things. Then we are ready to engage the problem unto victory. “But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.” (Eph.5:13, 14).
Secondly, “..and my SALVATION..” This confessions guarantees that we keep in step with the Lord as we engage the world and the devil. Our victory must not be at the expense of losing our souls. “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:38, 39).
Thirdly, “..The Lord is the STRENGTH of my life.” “If God be for us who can stand against us?…” Our abilities are not measured by our natural capacities anymore. We have become part of the extended hand of God. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1Peter 5:6).
Then, there is a threefold DESIRE One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4). Let us now examine this as well.
Firstly, a DWELLING Place. “That l may dwell in the house of the Lord..” This is rest, perfect rest. Also to abide in Him. This is an expression of holy affection for the Lord. The best dwelling place is not necessarily the most comfortable, but the safest. To be in the company of the Lord is to be in a most secure place. Free from all cares and alarms.
Secondly, to SEE God. “To behold the beauty of the Lord…” Prophet Isaiah’s whole life was transformed when , for a moment, he was privileged to see God on His throne. (Isaiah 6:1). To behold God is to love Him supremely. The was the part that Mary chose when she sat at the feet of Jesus.
Thirdly o LEARN. “…To inquire in His Temple…” The Temple-Door of the Bible is always open to inquirers. God’s counsel leads to Life, to Love, to Profit, and to Victory.
This Psalm contains the perfect doctrine that Jehovah is an all-sufficient High Priest for His people, He can carry them triumphantly through the sharpest trials, and through death itself. A priest who can help must be a priest who himself has suffered and won, and who having been tested in all points, can have compassion on the ignorant and the defeated.
You can trust Him.
About the writer
Nigerian-born Bishop Jacob Afolabi is Senior Pastor at the Christ Chapel Bible Church in Ottawa. He received the 2017 Black History Ottawa Community Builder award for his many years of community work, including founding the Ottawa Pastors’ forum, contributing inspiring articles in community newspapers and commentary on community radio stations, as well training a new generation of pastors. He can be reached at: [email protected].