Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 133
133:1 How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
133:2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.
133:3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD ordained his blessing, life forevermore.
Reflections
Unity is a key ingredient that has to be set in place in order for the Church to properly function. Without the members of the church being unified, there is division, strife, and animosity that will easily seep and take over the church. The church then becomes dysfunctional and fails in attempts to grow and be a useful tool in spreading the Gospel.
It is so crucial that we as the body of Christ, strive to get along with one another and encourage one another to grow more in our relationship with Christ and help further the good news of the Gospel. There have been many churches in which major divisions have come about due to the lack of unity and love amongst its members.
However, when unit does take place, it is a beautiful thing and the results are as verse one says “very good and pleasant.” The work of Christ is represented in those who are making it a point to get along with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. God finds delight and works in those who strive to maintain love, peace and order within the Church.
Let us not allow for any outside issues to get in the way of a Church being fruitful and effective in ministry. Let us choose to approach issues with love and grace and allow for God’s word to daily direct us in approaching one another with the intention of encouraging and building one another up to move forward in our walk with Christ.
Psalm 133 sounds a lot like the words of Paul when he said;
Let all things be done for building up. (1 Corinthians 14:26)
&
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)
The vision of the Lord has always been one of unity. Even as he called the nation of Israel to be His people, God was envisioning the nation reaching out to all peoples so that they also might be united with the Lord.
he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)
God’s plan for us and for the rest of humanity is to live as neighbors, loving one another and loving the Lord. This is the summation of the law.
[Featured image from biblia.com]