S182P10 – Characters in the Psalms: lover of the saints
Psa. 133
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing— life forevermore.
I hope we all can appreciate the oxymoron of the independent Christian, the loner who follows the Lord. There are plenty who believe that their personal relationship with God is all that they need to be in good standing with him, but that is dangerous thinking. Some hold this opinion because they have been hurt by the Church. Others hold this opinion because the god they follow is not the one true God at all, so they pick and choose which biblical teachings to accept. Still others hold this opinion because they just do not love being with people. Yet, the word of God is clear that those who are his children are part of a body in which they have a necessary function and belonging.
David’s poetic imagery here illustrates how God views the saints living together in unity. This kind of life fellowship brings upon the saints the same annointing as the oil described here. It is a gift and blessing from God that comes from the body bringing together its members as commanded and not merely suggested. The unity of the saints is also a majestic picture that should point to the majesty of God. Just as one cannot deny that only the holy One can bring the dew on the mountains to quench the dry ground, we cannot deny God’s hand in uniting his people. Only He can bring the peace and wisdom necessary for this to be successful. Our unity blesses God and also blesses us, and He wants us to love it as much as He does.
The world will have no chance to know us by our love if we do not actually love one another and live as such openly. This unity is not about perfect agreement in all things or pretending to tolerate one another just to meet a goal of good appearance. Each of us should love the Church as Christ loves the Church, and there is no pretense there. It should be our desire to be united the way He desires to be united with us. If you are part of the body, then you should love the body as you love yourself. Father, help us to resolve and eliminate those things which would keep us from desiring, pursuing and achieving unity with the brethren in Christ.