The Song Of Unity

Imagine yourself on a road trip – a few hours of driving on the interstate with your family. Perhaps in this Fall season, you have finally agreed with all of your family members to drive up to the Adirondacks in New York to see the changing leaves – a kaleidoscope of miles of vibrant colors – where entire mountain ranges turn into shades of red, orange, and yellow and bear witness to the glory of God in creation. We would drive on the beautiful road. Then, stop by an apple orchard to carry our pull wagons and pick golden crisp or Fuji apples that we would enjoy throughout the harvest season.

However, if you asked me, “Dasol, what was your favorite part about this road trip?” It wouldn’t be the foliage or the apples, though I love both. I would say that my favorite part was – companionship – that the family got together amid our busy schedules to spend time together. The foliage and apples were an added bonus.

The importance of companionship and unity is one of the most essential human experiences contributing to its well-being. C. S. Lewis said in The Four Loves, “Friendship is one of those things – that has no survival value… rather, it is one of those things that gives value to survival.” Friendship is among the greatest joys and blessings of the journey of our lives. This concept is woven throughout Scripture as well. God created humanity and joined man and woman in a perfect union. God redeemed His people through Jesus and brought His people into fellowship in the church, the body of Jesus Christ. Even the Divine, as three persons in the Trinity, exist in harmony and fellowship between each person of the Godhead.

We live in this world as temporary residents. We are pilgrims journeying toward an eternal residence. During this process, companionship gives us the strength and joy to press forward. As we reflect on this Fall and Thanksgiving season, I would like us to think about the importance of companionship and unity.

One portion of Scripture where this is particularly clear is in a grouping of psalms known as the Psalms of Ascent or the Songs of Ascent. These are called songs because they were sung and prayed by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. During various Jewish festivals like the Passover, Pentecost, and the Fest of Booths, many Jews traveled to Jerusalem in celebration, reminding themselves of their heritage and the goodness of God. These are called songs of ascent because no matter where the Israelites headed to Jerusalem from, they always ascended towards Jerusalem due to its elevation compared to other places. These are called Songs of Ascent because they remind God’s people that they are pilgrims on their journey towards not just a physical Jerusalem but also a heavenly one.

However, the path to Jerusalem was dangerous. It was a steep, mountainous road with narrow, rocky descents and blind turns – making it the perfect place for robbers to set up an ambush. So, this path was also a treacherous place of blood and crime. Therefore, the Psalmist records the goodness and joy of people living in unity, possibly because he knows the difficulty of such a journey to Jerusalem. Nevertheless, the danger and discomfort were relieved by the experience of companions traveling together.

Perhaps our own pilgrimage, our journey to heaven, is a difficult one. As we journey, we endure pain and suffering for our faith. We face serious temptations from the enemy. The narrow gate through which Jesus called us to go is indeed marked by different challenges that test and purify our faith. However, the danger and discomfort that we face are relieved by the experience of companionship and being brought together in unity.

The Psalmist recognizes this reality and begins to sing the song of unity. He says in verse one, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” In Hebrew, the “how” of verse one is repeated twice. The English translation simply says, “How good and pleasant,” but in Hebrew, it is, “How good and how pleasant!” The unity among God’s people such a remarkable blessing because it is both tremendously good and pleasant!

How good! Just as God created the heavens and earth and declared that it was good, how good are the unity among God’s people! Companionship in unity reflects God’s heart and His purposes in created order. When brothers and sisters dwell in unity, it is good.

How pleasant! How sweet do companionship and unity make life? So much more enjoyable and delightful than trying to do everything alone.

The unity of God’s people is good and pleasant. It is also:

Delightful and pleasing

Valuable and worthwhile

Life-giving and comforting

Imperative and divinely ordained