There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 133
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity … For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. [Psalm 133:1,3]
It really is good and pleasant when God’s people live together in unity.
And the opposite is also true – it really is awful and miserable when God’s people bicker and fight against each other.
Sin has brought division and strife into the world.
God hates it, and is working to restore peace and harmony.
God wants us to prioritize good relationships and reconciliation; if we do, He promises to add His blessing.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. [Matthew 5:9]
If you make it your goal to live in peace with people, if you do your part to promote harmony and reconciliation and peace, then you are living like God wants.
You are a reflection of Him and His heart – you are His child.
And when we work with God, we can count on Him helping us with His Spirit.
Psalm 133 refers to the oil used for anointing a high priest, poured on the head and slowly flowing down through his beard onto the breastplate with 12 stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel [Psalm 133:2].
This is a beautiful picture of how God’s blessing spreads to all the people when His servants (the high priest) fulfill their calling as agents of peace and reconciliation.
Another image is the refreshing dew that is blown by the wind from the snow-capped top of Mount Hermon, drenching the drier landscape around Mount Zion.
This is how refreshing it is when God’s agents of peace promote harmony and peace.
So where can I be an agent of peace and reconciliation today?
Where does God want me to be a refreshing presence where there is tension and division?
At work, in my extended family, with someone that has hurt me?
It really is good and pleasant when God’s people live together in unity.
And the opposite is also true – it really is awful and miserable when God’s people bicker and fight against each other.
God is looking for peacemakers who will join Him in spreading His love and peace.
Will you join Him… will I?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to see a situation in my life where the peace is broken, and show me how I can be a peacemaker, one who promotes the unity You desire.
This psalm reminds me of two thoughts. The first days in the garden before the Fall. Man and God living in unity – God walking and talking with His people in the garden. WoW! This is the relationship God desires also today. Oh what joy divine!
The second – as far as it depends upon me, live at peace with all mankind. I must be His channel of peace. I must be the instrument spreading His love to all those around me. I must be one anothering. Then it will be like the garden – walking and talking with the risen Saviour.
Make me a blessing Lord this day. Help me in my walk and talk to be a blessing – showering Your love to all those I meet and greet. Help me to be the dew that waters and gives growth. Help me to be GodStrong this day to LIveStrong.
Out in the highways and byways of life,
many are weary and sad;
are weary and sad
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife
making the sorrowing glad.
Refrain:
Make me a blessing,
Make me a blessing,
Out of my life
out of my life
May Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O savior, I pray,
I pray Thee, my Savior,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
2 Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;
Tell of His pow’r to forgive;
His pow’r to forgive.
Others will trust Him if only you prove
true ev’ry moment you live.
Refrain:
3 Give as ’twas given to you in your need;
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed;
Unto your mission be true.
Refrain