SCRIPTURE: Psalm 133:1-3
OBSERVATION:
‘Song of ascents’, was sung by religious pilgrims as they ascended the hilly roads to Jerusalem, preparing for the religious festival.
An obvious, simple point, how nice (good and pleasant) when people get along, live in harmony.
Compares it to the anointing of Aaron (the first priest, Moses’ brother) as priest, a ceremony where the oil (symbolic of Holy Spirit, God’s blessing) went down the head, along the beard and robes and also touched the ‘breastplate’ he wore with 12 stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:15-30).
Mount Hermon was a lush, green mountain, while Mount Zion (where Jerusalem was built) was less so, here the psalmist imagines God anointing Zion like Hermon, and sees this as similar to God blessing His people with harmony.
APPLICATION:
Does the church reflect this kind of ”good and pleasant” unity? If not, what separates us?
Historically the church (God’s people) have been divided – what does this say about God’s blessing?
What keeps me from dwelling in unity and harmony with others – my pride, my selfish ambitions, my narrow vision and focus?
Where do I need to repent of an unharmonious spirit or attitude?
They sang of (and experienced) this unity when they went to worship, how often do we come to worship with divided hearts/relationships? Jesus suggests that worship should be halted and division dealt with first (Matthew 5:23-24).
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for the ways that I undermine the unity of Your family. Help me to love all Your children, and to be patient and gracious with those who are hard to love. Amen.