Psalm 133 compares harmonious unity with some very beautiful things. Of course, those things are relatively obscure, too. For starters, the passage states that harmonious unity between brothers is like the oil used to anoint Aaron, the first priest of Israel. Remember that the oil used in that ceremony was representative of the presence of the Lord. When Aaron was anointed priest, the oil was the symbol God chose to use as a sign that His presence was in and upon Aaron. He wanted to make it clear that Aaron was His chosen spiritual leader. The oil that symbolized this honor ran down Aaron's hair, onto his beard, and onto his robe. That much oil was used as the Lord literally bathed Aaron in His presence.
Secondly, harmonious unity is compared to dew from Mount Hermon that ends up on Mount Zion, where God pronounces everlasting life. The morning dew that settled in Zion was refreshing. Zion, of course, refers to that part of Jerusalem better known as the City of David - in the desert. The dew would come in the mornings to refresh the people, the plants, and life in general. Both Mount Hermon and Mount Zion were places of significant divine revelation in the Old Testament, the latter indicating the place where the Lord chose to settle among His people. The Lord pronounced HIs blessing in Zion, promising everlasting life to those who remember the spiritual significance of Zion. Zion almost always means God is here to give people everlasting life. (What a fitting prophecy of Jesus's ministry that declared everlasting life in Zion!)
It seems that Psalm 133 is saying that harmonious unity between brothers (and sisters, I imagine) communicates the very presence of God. Unity among spiritual brothers and sisters is a picture of God's presence that anoints His people for His good work. Unity among spiritual brothers and sisters is a picture of God's presence that refreshes His people, declaring the eternal life we'll live with Him. Perhaps these statements on unity explain how it is that people will know we are Christians when we love one another (John 13:35).
4 comments:
Hey Lynn,
Sorry I missed ya last week? Did you like the gift we got ya? If not you can blame it on me. I don't know if Kath told you but that pen turns into a stylist also. Anyways could you give me your new e-mail address, or phone number b/c I really need to talk to ya.
Thanks Andy Walker
Christians loving each other and unity in the body of Christ has been my urgent prayer the past 2 weeks for every believer I know, especially for PIWC. The Word talks so much about being people who don't just pretend to love each other, but really, genuinely prefer each other. Imagine how the presence and power of God could overtake our churches when we start living out such unified love.
You know, I believe Murle's funeral will be used as a catalyst for this (already has been in fact). As the unbelievers of PI see Carla's church friends loving on her continually the next months, and loving each other through the grief, they will surely smell the fragrance of Christ in that love. Long comment, but your post, I believer, may be "prophetic" for what the Lord is up to in this church these days! And your wording/insight makes me THAT much more excited of the depth of what God can do when love is in the house!
hey.
i just ask that maybe you would pray for me this week.
im starting to have a lot of doubts.
Melissa K. Male
Thanks for the encouragement, Lor. I guess we never know when our personal musings and reflection may be used by the Lord! We agree with you in your prayer for unity in Jesus's name. And they say that where two or more come together in His name.... This is going to be incredible!!
Melissa, I understand your doubts. I've felt them 1,000 times. In fact, I usually feel them as I realize how big the thing is to which God has called me. I'm going to borrow from Graham Cooke and share something with you. God NEVER calls us to what we can already do. He calls us to things we CANNOT do. He calls to us, and we follow, at first, because we love Him. That's when we step out of the boat and walk toward Him in His plan. We're walking on a substance on which we have no business walking! If you're looking down and seeing that, metaphorically, you're walking on water, please look back up at Jesus's face. He's drawing you through that call, through His Word, in your times of prayer. We're all praying with you. Doubts flee in the presence of Jesus. (It just doesn't feel like that right away.)
Post a Comment