RUNNING SOLO

Luke 10:1 After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, where he himself would come.

There is something that happens to an individual outside of community, their bounderies may become lax and their thresholds for giving in or giving up may become altered. This is not in reference to periods where an individual is set apart for a season but moments when for any reason, time away from the community is chosen over fellowship.

We have three classic examples among the Apostles of what happened when individuals stepped outside the community, even briefly. Satan pounced, because he was already looking round. Thomas became a doubter, Judas a betrayer and Peter, a denier.

In the Gospel, the 72 disciples were given a rather long list of what not to take, as though to suggest take no baggage, no security, and no resources. However, the greatest asset they were given was “the gift of another person”, because they were sent out “two by two”. Running solo does not work in the Kingdom of God because the church has been made “one body with many parts.”

So what have you been doing all these years? Running your life solo, without men and apart from the community? This is the executive summary “every mission without communion is doomed to fail, there are no exceptions.” You may appear to be thriving, but how dangerously you are treading, as an isolated piece of burning coal only waiting for its fire to burn out. You are holding on, but you belong with the flock. Get back to church!

#sly