The Scent of Unity

OPENING PRAYER:

Almighty God, on this Lord’s Day, may Your praise ring out clearly over all the earth.

READ: Psalm 133

A song of ascents. Of David.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.

It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133

REFLECT:

Think of a time when you have worked together in a great team. What makes a good team? How do you help keep unity?

Unity is something we take for granted at times. Living together in unity is truly a pleasant thing. We see how healthy it is for individuals, for leaders and members of a church. Sadly, we can also see how destructive dis-unity is. Poison sets in when people are divisive, gossip and are rebellious. This leads to factions and a breakdown in relationships.

On the other hand, when we see Christians loving one another and living out the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23), we see goodness multiplying. Here, there is blessing for those set apart for unified living; it is like the psalmist’s image of being anointed with precious oil (v 2). There is another anointing and a fragrance, too, that arises from those who are united in Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The life-giving dew of ‘Hebron’ speaks of God’s provision, and ‘Zion’ speaks of God’s presence (v 3). There is blessing for God’s people as his provision and presence enable them to live in unity. And that blessing and desire for unity come from a unified God, who models true relationship and oneness as Father, Son, and Spirit.

APPLY:

How could you bless others in your church today? Can you thank your minister for his service to the church? Or thank people serving others behind the scenes? Why not send an encouraging text today and bless others with the fragrance of Christ?

CLOSING PRAYER:

Mighty God, I pray for myself that I might be inviting and welcoming to those who are different from me. And that prayer of unity I pray for my church also.

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