Psalms 133 is one of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134). The city of Jerusalem is situated on a high hill. Jews traveling to Jerusalem traditionally sang these songs on their “ascent” to the three main annual Jewish festivals, as commanded by Moses (Exodus 23:14-17). Jewish priests also sang these Songs of Ascent as they walked up the steps to the temple in Jerusalem.
Each of the Psalms have something to teach us about worship and preparing our hearts for worship as we pursue this idea of ascending toward the Lord, lifting our eyes and focusing our hearts toward heaven. We learn that worship is rehearsing and celebrating the source of our help, which comes from the LORD (Ps. 121:1). In worship we rehearse God’s faithfulness in our victories from the past (Ps. 124:1). This is a celebration of the grace that is available to all who believe (Ps. 130). Each of these Psalms lead us to a deeper understanding of worship. My prayer in this season of studying the Psalms together is that they would increase our hearts in worshiping the Lord together as a family!
These Songs of Ascents are also called Pilgrim Songs. Four of these songs are attributed to King David (122, 124, 131, 133) and one to Solomon (127), while the remaining ten are anonymous. The theme of each Song of Ascent is beautifully expressed and a helpful guide as we devote our attention and our affection toward God in worshipping him together as a family.
Psalm 120: God’s presence during distress
Psalm 121: Joyful praise to the Lord
Psalm 122: Prayer for Jerusalem
Psalm 123: Patience for God’s mercy
Psalm 124: Help comes from the Lord
Psalm 125: Prayer for God’s blessing upon His people
Psalm 126: The Lord has done great things
Psalm 127: God’s blessing on man’s efforts
Psalm 128: Joy for those who follow God’s ways
Psalm 129: A cry for help to the Lord
Psalm 130: A prayer of repentance
Psalm 131: Surrender as a child to the Lord
Psalm 132: God’s sovereign plan for His people
Psalm 133: Praise of brotherly fellowship and unity
Psalm 134: Praise to God in His temple
Psalm 133 speaks of the blessings of God that are released to those who dwell together in unity:
Psalm 133:1-3 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing -- life forever.
Dwelling in unity is both good and pleasant.
We understand we aren’t supposed to forsake the assembling of ourselves together with believers. At the same time we understand “dwelling together in unity” takes on a deeper reality in a smaller setting.
The team we work with in the UK is hosting what we’re calling Residentials now in England and we’re hosting our first one in the USA in July. Small groups of pastors and ministry leaders simply coming together to talk, share and pray together more deeply and intimately around meals and exploring what it is to linger in God’s presence together.
It's fascinating to see churches begin to change as a result of these gatherings. It’s not because we are focusing on creative solutions to common church issues. We simply begin absorbing the atmosphere of God’s Kingdom in that setting. The Kingdom of God has a transforming work when we experience it.
People who are casual about God’s family are missing a part of God’s plan to enrich their lives.
David describes this supernaturally benefit from dwelling together in unity as both "good" and "pleasant". These are synonymous terms. Good implies there is morality released from unity. It is good; the way things are meant to be. Pleasant focuses on the benefits that flow from unity. It’s pleasant, delightful, enjoyable, beneficial, and beautiful. It is pleasant because joy is released in our hearts by God’s grace.
Psalm 133:2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes.
When Jesus walked on the earth his body was covered by a seamless garment. From Aaron on down the lineage a high priest would wear a seamless garment. Bible is filled with prophetic pictures in our spiritual realities. The body of Christ is supposed to be covered by a seamless covering. Biblically speaking the garment of the high priest could have no tear or fabricated seam of any kind. It was uniquely and authentically ONE!
Community we are supposed to experience in the church is not the same kind of community you find with friends in the soccer club, bowling leagues, etc. If we don’t get this, we’re missing a vital part of God’s plan for our lives.
In a world that is over-committed and under-connected we must beware of the barrenness of a busy life.
This spiritual mystery of unity has a dimension of power that the enemy continually fights. It’s like a spiritual forcefield in place when we function in maturity, unity and love. This is that atmosphere where the Lord has commanded blessing and life forever more releasing supernatural grace and favor from God over everything that’s taking place.
Every Christian should enjoy and protect this atmosphere of grace, love and unity. Unity is the result of spiritual maturity.
Ephesians 4:11-13 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. NIV
We will be known for our love and unity as the world will be fascinated by this characteristic of the nature of God that is awakened within God’s family! God’s plan is for us to discover the beautiful complexities of Friendship and relationships in general together in an attitude of love and mutual submission as family as we learn to CONSISTENTLY SUBMIT TO GOD’S DESIRES and EFFECTIVELY DISCIPLE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.
Family Community is rooted in very nature of God Doctrine of Trinity reveals Father/Son/Spirit as a community of love, communication, affection & respect. The Bible tells us that God made us in his image & likeness to be in loving community with him & with each other.
Dwelling in Unity is Like Refreshing Rain (verse 3).
Psalm 133:3 It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing -- life forever.
Israel lived in a dry land, where water was scarce. Cities were built near sources of water. Having a supply of water was the only way to survive. Rain was precious to them. Without the rains coming to Jerusalem, life would be difficult. But, as it is, the rain gives life.
Ultimately, the life brought by the water is a foretaste of the eternal life given by God. Look at the last phrase in verse 3: "For there the Lord commanded the blessing -- life forever." For the Jew, eternal life flowed out of Mount Zion. Zion was where God put His name. Zion is where God chose to dwell. Zion is where sacrifices were offered to God to atone for the sins of Israel. That's why people came three times a year to Jerusalem to worship. Because Jerusalem was where life was found.
Psalm 133:1-3 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. ESV
Unity is the result of spiritual maturity and mature believers refuse to sacrifice this sacred atmosphere even when it requires absorbing the insecurities and immaturities of others.
Ephesians 3:17-21 (may Christ) dwell in your hearts through faith, being rooted and grounded in love, (knowing) the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 4:1-16 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace… 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. ESV
GP2RL: Purpose a meal together with someone as an intentional expression of sacrificial unity this week.