Nov 15, 2015 4 min read

Scripture reading: John 10:1-14. Text: “For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.” Hebrews 7:14.

It is well known that connections are important in our life and we are influenced by them directly or indirectly. In the Greek New Testament there is no specific word for “connection,” however, the concept is there. Please study our Scripture reading. Some translations do not even mention “connection.”

THE ONLY TWO BIBLE QUOTATIONS WHERE THE CONCEPT OF CONNECTION IS OBVIOUS.

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love.” Ephesians 4:15-16. Those which are “joined and knit together” must be connected.

“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” Colossians 2:5. This is a connection that is not based on physical proximity.

THE CONNECTIONS WE FACE AND DEAL WITH AND ALSO ARE INFLUENCED BY.

Relationship is usually among members of a family and connections are usually established. How can we characterize the connections among us?

– There are connections that are short-lived and those that are long-lasting.

– Connections should be nurtured; they can fade away. To strengthen a connection there

should be conversation between the parties, i.e. phone calls, visits, e-mails, etc.

– A good connection is bidirectional.

– A connection can be used and also abused. The stronger one can easily take advantage

of the weaker one.

– Poor connections could be as bad as they are between two nonworking telephone stations.

– Being physically close and having opportunities to meet and converse are great

benefits to maintaining strong connections.

– We can say friendship is a favored and appreciated connection, however, people

involved should have mutual interest and respect for each other.

– As in the case of friendship, it is easier to sever a connection than reconnect

it. Whose fault was it that a connection became discontinued?

THE SPIRITUAL CONNECTION AS WE LEARN IT FROM THE BIBLE.

The Holy Scriptures tell us that not only men are seeking connection with God but also the Almighty wishes to get close to His children. Prophet Isaiah said: “But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'” Isaiah 43:1.

In the New Testament one of the best passages is John 15:1-11, and these words point to the central idea: “‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.'” John 15:4-5.

Apostle Peter almost makes a “chain of connections” although he uses a synonym word “add”: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” 2 Peter 1:5-7. New International Version. The Revised Standard Versions reads: “For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge . . .” 2 Peter 1:5.

Our spiritual connection with God is based on and established through our Redeemer Jesus Christ, who calls all of us to join Him: “‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'” Matthew 11:28-30. The Psalmist expressed his feelings in this way: “But for me it is good to be near God;” Psalm 73:28/a.