"A Psalm Of Christian Unity"

From this illustration, we learn about the nature of Christian unity. Christian unity is built around a common response to God’s call. David likens Christian unity to the oil used to anoint Aaron as the high priest of Israel. It was only as Aaron was willing to respond to God’s call that he was anointed; and it is only as God’s people respond to God’s call that they will be truly unified.

“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” - Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT)

It is interesting to note that the phrase in this passage, “make every effort,” is a military term which literally refers to “striving like a warrior.” We need to make a determined effort to answer the call of God to dwell together in unified commitment to Him. There are some interesting parallels between God’s call to Aaron and his call to us.

1) Aaron was called to represent people before God and so are we -

“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.” - 1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

2) Aaron was called to represent God before people and so are we -

“But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done.” - 1 Peter 2:9 (CEV)

As we rally around our common calling, we can experience true Christian unity. Such is the nature of Christian unity - it is built around a common response to the call of God.

It is no small wonder that the two things that what the Devil fights most in our lives as Christians is our commitment to prayer and witnessing. Why? Because he knows that a church that is committed to prayer and witnessing will be a church that is unified - and a threat to his work.

B. An illustration from the secular realm - v. 3

From this illustration, we learn about the necessity of Christian unity. In a land of desert and drought, the dew meant marvelous fertility. Mount Hermon was the most prominent mountain to the north. Often capped with snow, it is in view from much of Galilee on a clear day. As the hills of Zion are over 100 miles from mount Hermon, it is apparent that David is speaking symbolically of the life-giving blessing of God falling upon the highest point of the land and running down to the lower points.

In other words, David is saying that when brothers in Christ are united by a common commitment to the Christ’s Lordship, come together in unity; it is good and pleasant; and it has life-giving results. That is why it is an absolute necessity for God’s people to dwell together in unity. This world will only know about the life God gives as they see it

exemplified by a united people of God. God’s people dwelling in unity is the key, not only to the church walking under God’s anointing and experiencing abundant life; but it is the key to the world being awakened to the love of God and experiencing eternal life.