Read
(A song for worship.)
Living Together in Peace
1It is truly wonderful
when the people of God
live together in peace.
2It is as beautiful as olive oil
poured on Aaron's head
and running down his beard
and the collar of his robe.
3It is like the dew
from Mount Hermon,
falling on Zion's mountains,
where the Lord has promised
to bless his people
with life forevermore.
Reflect
Short, but powerful and evocative – that’s my description of Psalm 133. I might also add, easily read, but difficult to put into practice. Unity among the people of God is that great allusive goal that seems to always disappear around the next bend in the road. But there God has commanded his blessing, if we could only reach that blessed state.
The psalmist uses two metaphors to portray this good and pleasant state of affairs. The first may appear to be rather messy and wasteful. Who wants oil running down their beard and onto their clothing? But in the Old Testament, prophets, priests and kings were anointed in just this way. It symbolized the release of divine authority and power into an individual’s life. The Spirit of God was coming upon them for public service. This concept forms an effective bridge to the coming of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. When the waiting disciples were of one accord, the Holy Spirit was poured upon them; the anointing came.
The second metaphor signifies rejuvenation. The dew of the morning is new each day. It refreshes and revives. When our social interactions are positive and enriching, the outcome is spiritual renewal and a deep sense of belonging. Recent studies have shown that social isolation may be a greater risk factor among the elderly than smoking or heart disease.
Simply put, we need each other. We need to be surrounded by loving, caring relationships. On every level, it revives the weary soul.
Respond
Father God, help me sow words of love and unity. Open my eyes to see where I can bring a word of encouragement to those around me. Make me an instrument of peace, love and unity today. Amen.
David Kitz
David Kitz is an actor, an award-winning author, and teacher. For more than thirty years, he has served as an ordained pastor. His love for drama is evident to all who have seen his Bible-based performances. He has toured across Canada and United States with a variety of one man plays for children and adults. Raised in Saskatchewan, David now lives in Ottawa with his wife Karen. Books in print: The Soldier Who Killed a King, Little Froggy Explores the BIG World, Psalms Alive!, Tunks on Tongues