Read Psalm 133
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Go Deeper
Unity seems to be in short supply these days. But God tells us that that unity among believers is not only good and pleasant, but holy (even when unity is not easy to reach). Notice David is describing relationships among believers who are dwelling together. We all know close quarters can test relationships. So, he is talking about believers that will inevitably have to sort out some differences to keep unified. These are the exact situations where we are commanded to each do our personal best to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).
When we strive for unity, what happens is an abundance of holy blessing. David describes it as oil running down the head, beard, and garment of Aaron. The Enduring Word commentary explains that it was common in these times to anoint one’s head when entering a home, both as a greeting and as a refreshment to the one receiving the oil. Aaron was the high priest and would have been anointed with holy oil so precious it was used only for consecrating his service to God.
So, when David describes unity among God’s children as the precious oil that runs upon the head, beard, and garment of Aaron, he is describing a unity of holiness that is a rare and abundant blessing. This blessing is so abundant it is like oil that runs from the top of the head all the way to the ground. Unity is a never-ending source of refreshment—and well worth the work it might take to achieve.
Don’t be duped. Satan tries to trick us into thinking our differences should divide us. But division is not inevitable! Jesus prayed in John 17 we would be unified and learn to get along. David knew and described believers dwelling together as good – something that points others to God. We have to recognize and remember, as much as it depends on us, we must pursue unity in order to defeat Satan’s plan of division. As Charles Spurgeon said, “What a sacred thing must brotherly love be when it can be likened to an oil which must never be poured on any man but on the Lord’s high-priest alone.” Unity is sacred, holy, and meant to bless us and point others to Jesus. Unity is worth the work.
Questions
- As far as it depends on you, are you living in unity with all? Is there disunity in any of your relationships?
- What do you need to do today to pursue the unity David described in this chapter and Jesus prayed for in John 17?
- Spend time in prayer asking God for clear direction on how to move forward seeking unity, fighting against division, and living in a way that points the world to Him.
A Quote
“The Church is not a human society of people united by their natural affinities, but the Body of Christ, in which all members, whoever different, must share the common life, complementing and helping one another precisely by their differences.” — C.S. Lewis
3 responses to “Psalm 133”
Unity
Jesus Christ is alive. He was our perfect sacrifice so that we could be a part of the Kingdom of God, forever.
“In Jewish tradition, the High Priest would be anointed heavily with a fragrant oil before entering into the “Holy of Holies.” This was the place where he would – once a year – sacrifice an animal to receive forgiveness for all of Israel’s sins during the past year.
The oil signified a unified forgiveness. Just as the fragrance spread to everyone surrounding Aaron, the forgiveness spread to all Israelites. The oil also signified redemption. This act of one cleansed the acts of many. ” https://www.declareglory.com/psalms-2/day-56
Also unity is like the dew. It is refreshing and productive. This is what is should be like for unity with other believers, complete with refreshing oneness.
God thank You for Your Son and His willingness to be our ultimate sacrifice. God thank You for raising Him from the dead and sitting Him at the right hand of You. God thank you for helping us as a body of believers to stand together, first glorifying You and then building each other up. God I am so thankful for those that check on me. That love me unconditionally, even though and even if all thoughts about Godly things are not the same. God thank You for Your Word and the truth that is laid there for all to see. Thank you for Your love that is always, always abounding and complete. God today in these minutes of this day let all my words and actions be glorifying to You in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!
1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Yes, unity does seem to be in short supply these days!
One thing I have learned over the years is that unity does not equal unanimity. I don’t have to be in 100% agreement with the views that someone else holds in order to still be in unity with them.
Unity begins with agreeing with God and taking him at his word. The One who formed/created everything knows best how it works together. As people of God called according to his purposes (not our own) we allow him to make his home in us, resting in his identity where true blessing is found. A watching world is blown away when we find our common ground in Christ and set our differences aside.