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In Praise of Living in Peace
Psalm 133
Good News Translation (GNT)
"Hebrew Title:
A psalm by David
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1 How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God's
people to live together in harmony!
2 It is like the precious anointing oil running
down from Aaron's head and beard, down to
the collar of his robes.
3 It is like the dew on Mount Hermon, falling on
the hills of Zion. That is where the Lord has
promised his blessing - life that never ends.
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Taken from 'word-on-the-web' supplied by the
Scripture Union
In Praise of Living in Peace
Psalm 133
Sadly, we too often don't get along
and the church lacks power and
anointing when it lacks unity.
This 'song of ascents' -
the kind of song pilgrims sang as
they went up to the house of the Lord -
served to remind them of this
vital truth.
Unity really matters.
As they took possession of the Promised Land,
God's people had to learn to
'live together in unity'.
As king, David would have been deeply conscious
of the importance of unity.
He uses two images to emphasise
'How good and pleasant' unity is.
When Aaron was consecrated as
Israel's high priest, Moses had to
'Take the anointing oil and anoint him
by pouring it on his head'.
The second image draws on nature.
Hermon, Israel's highest mountain,
was well watered, while Mount Zion
was situated in a more arid region.
To enjoy 'the dew of Hermon...
falling on Mount Zion' was a
wonderfully welcome blessing,
holding out the promise of
plenty and prosperity.
The Lord commands (ordains)
blessing on those who are commissioned
by a united people.
Anointing oil speaks of the fragrance
of the knowledge of Jesus.
He does this by means of our
love for one another and our unity.
It matters because success in the Christian life
is a team thing. Not many are called to an
isolated life of study and prayer -
that may well be desirable,
but it is not God's vision.
The Trinity is a community:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit -
and the three exist eternally
in the closest of relationships.
God calls us to reflect that unity
here on earth. In this psalm,
God ordains that effectiveness in
community is essential to life and
ministry for his people.
This is a good counterbalance to our
evangelical emphasis on personal faith
and commitment.
We need each other.
Jesus loves the church
and gave himself for her.
Authentic fellowship goes far deeper
than cups of coffee and casual
conversations on Sundays.
It is forged by working through
differences in personalities
and preferences,
patience with flaws and failures,
speaking truth in love and
extending costly grace.
Then God's people will enjoy
the fullness of blessing.
Where disunity prevails, consider:
Am I part of the problem?
How can I be part of the solution?
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