Day 31: Psalm 133

How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!

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.

It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

Unity. A biblical mandate, or an impossible ideal?

This Psalm uses two metaphors to describe the significance of unity among the followers of our Heavenly Father. The first, the oil that is poured on the high priest’s head flowing down to his face and onto his garments, speaks of the joy of being set apart as one commissioned by God. The second, the dew of Hermon, refers to the highest mountain in the Holy Land and the refreshing dew that falls from it. Both metaphors present the idea that unity is refreshing and wonderful.

Jesus made the issue of unity among his followers to be a litmus test of sorts. In John 13:34-35 we find him saying:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

In saying this, Jesus elevated the issue of unity. He said, in essence, that this is the singular issue that will let people know whether or not we are his disciples. Unity is more than important – it is vital. We can’t gloss over this. We have to find a way to work through whatever issues there are to love – really love – one another.

 

Doug Boquist | Lead Pastor

Amy Tabler