A Celebration Of Unity

Sermon - A Celebration of Unity

Scripture Text - Psalm 133:1-3 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. (KJV)

Introduction: Psalms 133 is a celebration of unity. King David knew by experience the bitterness and pain caused by division. After David dreadful sin with Bathsheba, God promised that the sword of war and division would never leave his house. To one degree or another we have all experience the pain of division. In David’s case, his beautiful daughter, Tamar was raped by her half-brother, Ammon; them Tamar’s brother, Absalom killed his half-brother Ammon. This thing divided David’s house forever. After the death of king Saul and his sons, the nation of Israel and Judah were divided in their loyalties. The ten tribes of Israel supported and followed Isbosheth, Saul’s son, while the tribe of Judah supported David. David saw firsthand the danger of division. David reigned in Hebron of Judah seven years and six months. Bible scholars suggests that when David witnessed the nation uniting to made him king over all Israel, he penned this Psalm of a Celebration of Unity.

Others suggests that this Psalm was written after David witness the first coming together after his incarnation as the nation gathered for one of their annual feasts. Each year the men of Israel gathered to celebrate Pentecost, Passover, and the feast of Tabernacles. When David saw the joy and peace on each face, he penned this psalm to capture the moment. Then as the celebration was over and families was about to return home, they sang this psalm of celebration.

Even though we may not be able to pinpoint the occasion, we clearly see the benefits and blessings of unity. Where unity abounds among God’s people you will find God’s goodness, God’s anointing, God’s refreshing, God’s commanded blessing and life evermore! The Psalmist move to show us the benefit of peace and harmony. In the place of unity, God gives abundance of blessings, both for the present, and for the future life which is eternal. "For there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life evermore.” Somehow God commands a special blessing and manifest himself abundantly where peace and unity are found. God commanded blessing makes all His creatures useful and appreciated. God’s blessing leads to prosperity, good success, and fruitfulness. To bless means to benefit. Whatever is missing or lacking, God’s blessing brings wholeness. In this Psalm, It’s called real life!

Living in constant turmoil, with troubles, griefs, and pain in a man's life is not real life. The quiet life of those who live in peace, without dissensions respecting religion or in matters connected with the state is a life worth living. This is the life God desire and the kind of life His church can demonstrate to the world.

Joh 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (KJV)

Psalm 133:1-3 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. (KJV)

I have heard many people share with me recently their concern over a lack of unity in our world. Nations are deeply divided over politics, the appropriate response to COVID-19, mask wearing, vaccines, pills, racial and ethnic justice, and many other issues. Not even the church has been a safe haven from the divisiveness. How do we live together in unity that the psalmist celebrates? What does it mean to live in “unity” in the context of today’s realities? We must be suspicious of a non-biblical unity. Historically and in modern times, many people have offered a false unity through coercion. Too many have sought to build a fabricated unity by conquering and subjugating another, by word or by deed. Too often wars of words and ideas leave the earth scorched with division and contempt. How can we move towards the unity God desires? In a few days, we will celebrate Christmas, the highlight of a season of joy and peace. What will it be like for you? Has your circle of family and friends been broken? In spite of our losses, disappointments and heartaches, there is still a reason to celebrate, and it should always be better together. One of my favorite songs of celebration is Joy to the world.