No Longer Alone

Father Zosima, the saintly old monk in Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s masterwork The Brothers Karamazov, said, “Salvation will come from the people.” What he meant is that, ever since his ascension two thousand years ago, Jesus rescues us mostly through his people—through the flesh-and-blood followers in whom his Spirit dwells. 

As a result, we can access Jesus’ rescuing power whenever we need it because his Spirit is all around us. Were he still with us on earth in the physical form of a man, we’d have to mob him, like his first-century followers had to do, in order to gain access to him. But now, we find Jesus by merely finding one of his followers. We actually and truly find God—and his incredible saving power—by simply locating a brother or sister. That’s why community is so important. 

That’s why, just before his death and resurrection, Jesus gave his disciples (and us) a new commandment: “that you love one another.” “Just as I have loved you,” he said, “you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). 

Without the love and devotion and acceptance of my brothers, I’d still be alone in my shame, isolated and alienated from God, in a job that I’d grown to hate, having little or no sense of my true, God-given identity. Without brothers willing to come for me, I’d still be trapped somewhere out there in the darkness.

Scripture is clear: we’re meant to be together, to do life together, to care for one another, to be united with God and our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

And when we are united, then we are strong and healthy and free.

Don’t think this is not for you. Brother, you are not alone. None of us is ever alone. Not really. Rich, long-term community is available to each of us.

If you want to be, you will be found. And you will be rescued. Again and again.