September 15, 2025

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Unity is necessary

One person can easily be overwhelmed, but two can withstand an attack. As the saying goes, “A rope made of three strands does not break easily!”

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Dear Readers,

the stamp for this short sermon comes from Switzerland. The motif of this European stamp is very political. It shows a rope woven from seven strands. The message is clear: a strong Europe can only grow through unity. A peaceful Europe can only come about through the close interconnection of all nations. We are experiencing this political unity currently within the European Union. We are grateful to God for it!

I belong to the generation that knew European wars only from history books until 2022, when Russia attacked the Ukraine. My visit as a teenager to a mountain top in the French Alsace, the so called “Hartmannswillerkopf,” is still unforgettable to me. German and French soldiers battled there for four years against each other, during the First World War. Many thousands of soldiers died or were injured. The countless graves on this mountain are still deeply etched in my memory. Today, the mountain is a memorial to the futility of war. It would be a fitting place for peace talks! After the Second World War, friendship finally developed between Germany and France. Peace at last between neighbors.

The seven strings on the Swiss stamp could represent seven paths to a peaceful Europe. I am thinking of democracy, the rule of law, and equality. For me, these strings also include a clear NO to any form of racism. They also definitely include human dignity, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression. What else would you add? What “strings” would you use to weave a peaceful Europe?

The Lord Jesus Christ was already concerned with both political peace and peace within families around 2000 years ago. In a theological debate (Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, verse 17), he explains:

„Any kingdom where rulers fight against each other will face ruins and a house divided against itself will fall."

Unfortunately, today, we see armed struggles for power in many countries But Jesus also thinks of families which are divided. When families dig verbal trenches and hurt each other with words, then family ties will be destroyed. The triple cord of the Preacher Solomon can be a good guide for keeping families healthy. For me, the three cords symbolize the willingness to listen to one another and to allow oneself to be corrected. Those who insist on their own opinion and present their point of view as the only truth, block genuine conversation. 

Secondly, there is the willingness to forgive. We Christians ask for forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer. Forgiveness is a central problem for many people. One can stand at another's grave still bitter and unforgiving and therefore find no inner peace. Forgiveness is necessary, even if reconciliation is no longer possible.

And ultimately, for me, loyalty also plays a key part of it. Remaining committed and always seeking and finding YES to the other person. Just as God remains faithful to us. Even when we fail or perhaps even run away from him, the Lord remains faithful to us.. He nevertheless remains faithfully at our side. His threefold rope for us is his faithfulness, his grace, his incomprehensible love. 

This small European stamp contains great messages. Thank you, Switzerland!

Thank you for visiting me and listening to me. May our good God bless you in spirit, soul, and body. I look forward to seeing you at my next short sermon on October 1, 2025.