Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Explores the depth of unity, its blessings, and its significance in our lives.
Welcome, everyone.
It's good to see each one of you here today.
We gather in this place of worship, a place of unity.
Unity. A simple word with a depth of meaning that we often overlook.
In the words of G.K. Chesterton, "We are all in the same boat in a stormy sea, and we owe each other a terrible loyalty." These words ring true today, as we gather here, bound by our faith, our love for God, and our commitment to each other.
Today, we will turn our hearts and minds to Psalm 133. It's a short Psalm, but it's packed with truth and wisdom.
Let's read it together:
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 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; 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."
Isn't it beautiful? This Psalm speaks of unity, of being bound together, and of the blessings that come from such unity. It paints a picture of harmony, like the dew of Mount Hermon, a picture that we will come to understand more deeply as we move forward.
Let's pray.
Dear Lord, as we gather here today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to Your word. Help us to understand the depth of unity, the beauty of being bound together, and the blessings that come from such harmony. Guide us, Lord, as we seek to understand Your word and apply it in our lives. May we grow closer to You and to each other as we reflect on Psalm 133. We ask all this in Your precious name, amen.
Friends, let's open our hearts to the truth of this Psalm. Let's look at unity unveiled, the blessings of being bound, and harmony in Hermon's dew. Let's see how these truths apply to our lives and how they can transform us.
Let's begin.
In the heart of Psalm 133, we find a profound truth. The unity of brethren, of people bound together by faith, is described as something good and pleasant. It's not just a nice idea or a lofty goal. It's a reality, a tangible experience that brings joy and goodness into our lives. This unity isn't hidden or veiled. It's right there, in the open, for all to see and experience. It's a unity that's not just about being together, but about living together, about sharing life in all its ups and downs.
Compared to oil: This unity is compared to the precious ointment that was poured upon Aaron's head. This was no ordinary oil. It was a special blend of spices and perfumes, carefully prepared and used for the sacred task of anointing the high priest. The oil was a symbol of God's presence, His blessing, and His favor. When it was poured upon Aaron, it flowed down his beard and onto his garments, permeating everything it touched with its fragrance.
Our unity: The unity among us should be like that precious ointment. It should be something that permeates our lives, that influences everything we do and say. It should be a fragrance that's noticeable, that sets us apart. It's not something we can hide or keep to ourselves. It's meant to be shared, to flow out from us and touch the lives of those around us.
Comparing unity to the dew of Hermon: Mount Hermon is the highest mountain in Israel, known for its lush vegetation and abundant water sources. The dew from Hermon was a source of life, nourishing the plants and filling the streams and rivers. It was a blessing that came from above, a gift from God that brought life and growth.
Unity among us: It’s a blessing from God. It's a source of life and growth, a gift that nourishes us and fills us with joy. It's not something we can manufacture or create on our own. It's a gift from God, a blessing that He commands and gives to those who dwell together in love and harmony.
Verse 3: The Psalmist tells us that where there is unity, there the Lord commands the blessing, even life forevermore. This is the ultimate blessing, the promise of eternal life. This is what we all long for, what we all strive for. And it's found in unity, in dwelling together in love and harmony.
Just as the oil doesn't stop at the head but flows down, so too the blessings of being bound together in unity don't stop at one person ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO