April 11, 2018 Wednesday

“« A Song of Ascents. Of David. » Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing — Life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1-3 NKJV)

            For some their first reaction may be WHAT!  They may be tempted to just pass this by and miss the amazing blessing that is being expressed here.

            A Song of Ascents was a Psalm that was sung as they ascended the hill leading up to the Temple for worship.  The priests and the Levitical singers would lead the procession and people would gather like a parade to worship.  The whole town would know that this was a time for worship just as church bells do.

            This psalm shows the benefit of dwelling in unity.  Gathering together to worship God is a blessing to God and to us.  Those we worship with are often the people God will use in our life.  Worship unites us to God but also to each other.

            The picture of the “precious oil” is a reminder of the Holy Spirit who becomes part of your life and brings rich spiritual blessings.  Oil is used to anoint someone and set them apart as a calling to a ministry.

            The oil is poured out to the point that it runs down the beard on down to the clothes.  This is such an abundant blessing of God that it overflows and runs down just as the blood of Jesus ran down and brought abundant salvation!

            Aaron who is pictured here was the beginning of the priestly order and his family continued to serve as priests for many generations.  These were the people who followed rigorous rule that guided them as they offered the sacrifices which would be fulfilled in the suffering of Jesus who was the last Lamb of sacrifice.

            The symbol now reminds us that where the spiritual leaders are anointed to overflowing with the Holy Spirit there will be unity and blessing upon the land.  Disunion comes when the spiritual leaders turn from the anointing of the Holy Spirit and seek their own way through their own power.  Then we are cut off from God and we are left with little power and disunity.

            Does the Holy Spirit flow to abundance in you and through you to others?  Are you seeking God’s way through God’s power?  Do you bring unity through God’s Spirit?

           

            Wednesday was a hard day and a struggle for me.  I did get to watch some baseball and spend some time in prayer.  Bonnie and Rebecca went out and celebrated Rebecca’s birthday together.  When they got back we enjoyed some time together and helped Rebecca get a new phone she wanted.