Bible reading in one year: Ps. 132, 133 & 134; 1Cor 11: 18-34
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the beard, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon, as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore” – Psalm 133: 1-3 (KJV).
This psalm expresses that same spiritual truth as John 17, where Jesu prayed that His followers would be characterized by love, holiness and unity. This desire was so important to Jesus that it became the focus of His last recorded prayer shortly before His death. Over and over, Jesus prayed that ‘they may be one, as we (Jesus and His Father) are one’. Jesus knew that the Holy Spirit could not work in and through them if anything ruled their hearts but God’s holy love. Deep love for God and for one another, along with spiritual growth based on the truth of God’s Word, will allow people to experience God’s presence in a powerful way.
This psalm uses two analogies, or word pictures, to describe godly unity and its effects within a group of believers.
(1) There is the image of the oil poured on Aaron’s head being like unity. This speaks of God’s anointing – His commissioning, blessing, and empowerment. The psalmist makes a direct link between unity among God’s people and the experience of God’s blessing and power among them. This does not mean that whenever people are unified in purpose that God’s blessing and power will automatically be present because their purpose may be evil. However, it does mean that in order for God’s blessing and power to remain on a congregation of believers, they must be unified in their heart and godly purpose.
(2) There is also the image of dew on the mountain being like unity. This speaks of the refreshing quality of unity. Most people have felt the heaviness of an atmosphere where there is tension and disunity. But unity is an uplifting and inspiring quality that is present among any group of godly people who are truly ready to experience God’s blessing.