Psalm 133

Psalm 133

Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity![a]
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.

Recognize God's work throughout history - It is a wonderful truth that God has been at work in the hearts of men, women, and children since the beginning of the world.  In this Psalm we get a glimpse into His work among the Israelites during the time of King David.  Psalm 133 is one of 15 "Songs of Ascent" used by worshipers as they were "going up" to Mount Zion (Jerusalem) for festivals.  This Psalm's key point of unity is extremely relevant in the Israelite context of coming together in Jerusalem to feast!  When David illustrates just how "good and pleasant" this brotherly love is, he uses examples that appeal to his initial readers.  They would have understood Aaron's anointing oil and the importance of Mount Hermon for the watering of the land.

Remember that God is still working in us today - God is still at work on Mount Zion, His Church!  We are the epicenter of His gracious redemptive purposes.  The unity which David exhorts is still 100% applicable to us, and indeed is the center of God's desire for His people (see Jesus' High Priestly prayer in John 17).

Receive one another as Christ's Body - As We have seen, brotherly love is a holy thing which is pleasing to God and those around us.  It is refreshing and life-giving to us.  Being one Body will not happen overnight unfortunately, but just as larger sins start in small pieces, so will great advances of God's Kingdom begin in habitual humility and deference to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!  Men, how does viewing your family as "in Christ" affect your response and attitude?  Women, how does recognizing another person's status as "loved by God" influence how you think or talk about them?  Children, when you think of your brothers and sisters as also your brothers and sisters because of Jesus, how could that change how you play and work together at home?