READING: 2 Samuel 5:1-10, 1 Chronicles 11-12, Psalm 133
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
Psalm 133:1
Some scholars believe that Psalm 133 might have related to David’s coronation as king, and it spoke of unity around that occasion. Whatever the background of the psalm is, it clearly speaks to the beauty of brothers—likely, in the original sense, Israelites joined under God’s covenant—who are united in their purpose and direction. Indeed, the psalmist says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psa. 133:1). The wording pictures believers singing together as they make their way toward a celebration and worship. Their fellowship is uniquely sweet and abundant, like anointing oil that flows down the garments of the priest or the life-giving dew of Mt. Hermon, the highest mountain in Israel.
Actually, I don’t know any words that can adequately describe the beauty of the fellowship of God’s people. Within the church are people from different backgrounds, different economic and educational histories, different ethnicities, and different vocations. In many cases, their mother tongues are not the same. Somehow, though, God takes all of these folks and makes them one in the body of Christ. Prejudices die under the transforming power of the gospel. Conflicts find resolution under the work of the Holy Spirit. Skin color doesn’t matter when all people are created in God’s image, and those who follow Christ truly do see each other as brother and sister. The world takes note as Christ takes the many and makes them one; there truly is something good and pleasant when God’s people live together in harmony.
I fear, though, that we take our Christian relationships for granted. We speak about the beauty of these relationships while also too easily walking away from them. Some professed followers of Christ still carry the remnants of prejudice and racism. Others do little to promote and sustain genuine Christian unity – and the world this time takes note because we are a fractured people.
May God make us long for the sweetness that comes with genuine unity!
ACTION STEPS:
- Evaluate whether you are living in harmony with other believers. If not, confess your attitude and actions to God.
- Seek reconciliation with someone today, if needed.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for making us one. Grant me grace to promote harmony among believers.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23, 1 Chronicles 13-16