Psalm 133:1-3 (NIVUK)
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 for evermore.
Personally, the idea of oil running down my beard sounds a bit grim! Coupled with the picture of dew falling on Mount Zion, however, I can see that in both images the psalmist has in mind something that is nourishing, refreshing or enriching. It is good for us to live in unity. Life lived that way nourishes us, it brings us to life. More than that, God loves it and blesses it – intriguingly for an Old Testament text, he blesses it with life for evermore – it brings us to life, an enduring life with him.
Lord, help us to see the benefits of living in unity, those that are tangible and those that may be hidden, so that we might give thanks and seek them.
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