Dwelling together in unity

Psalm 133.

Back at uni when I was in Christian Union (CU) I recall having interesting ‘how did you come to faith?’conversations like:

“I was looking for accommodation and some CU students took me in…”
“A bunch of CU students took me on a city tour…”
“I was invited for the CU pizza party…”
— Oh the impact of unity!

The Psalmist describes the beauty of God’s people dwelling together in unity.

Unity is an act of worship, it glorifies God.

Like oil on Aaron. In v2 the psalmist compares unity to an important old testament act of worship - which is the consecration of priests. The consecration was done by anointing priests with oil, unto service to God and His people, before they can perform their priestly duties, like atonement for the people. Exodus 29:7. Like any act of worship, unity is important to God, it glorifies Him.

Unity creates an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to work through the body of Christ.

Like the dew flowing down. In v3 the psalmist sees unity as the dew which starts from Hermon hill and flows down to fertilize other surrounding mountains of Zion.

This metaphor of flowing down is also used earlier in v2 - where the oil flows from the head and reaches to the tip of the robe. The oil is a Scriptural symbol of the Spirit. I believe the psalmist is painting a picture of how unity is a tool which the Holy Spirit uses to work in the body of Christ.

And like the dew and the oil flows down, where there is unity, the Holy Spirit’s work in the body of Christ is not confined to a selected few but reaches all. This is because at the heart of unity is something great - love, and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of love. 2 Timothy 1:7.

Unity attracts God’s blessings.

“For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” v3. There is no people more alive than believers dwelling together in unity, because their strength is God-enthused. Ultimately, we are formed more into the image of Christ, as we dwell together in unity. And we attract more disciples into God’s kingdom as Jesus noted in John 17:20-23.

Reflect & Pray

How might God be nudging you to connect with other believers? What bonds might you need to strengthen?

Father, we pray that we will be one in Christ, and always live in complete unity in Jesus name.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

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