“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. (Psalm 133:1-3)
What a beautiful Psalm for us to share today! With the change in seasons and us being apart more through this winter, it is even more important to stay in touch with each other. As we age, especially, or have health issues it becomes harder and harder to come together in a group setting. Church, for example, sees this during extreme weather situations – either hot or cold. We re-prioritize what is vital to our health, we re-evaluate what MUST be done and act accordingly.
This Psalm is such an awesome description of our fellowship together. As I have mentioned before, I belong to several civic organizations plus my church. There is something on my calendar for practically every day of the week – whether it be social clubs, professional groups, or (as is the case with church) spiritual outings. While all of these are not vital to my existence, they provide another leg on the table of my life. They have been strategically arranged in order to maintain my mental health and emotional stability. I need this interaction with others to keep out of my own mind. And so do you. We are, by nature, social creatures thus we need this interaction with others to avoid feeling lost and alone in the world.
But it goes beyond mental stability or just getting out of the house. Depending upon the social setting of these gatherings, this activity brings spiritual healing to our minds and spirits as well as actual physical health to our bones. Re-read these three short verses – REALLY read them – and you will begin to actually feel what David meant when he penned them.
He describes how pleasing it is for us to dwell (to live, to settle in with, to fellowship) with each other. Most of the groups to which I belong have in their bylaws that certain discussions will not be allowed when we come together. We are not, for example, to discuss politics in our meetings – and for good reason. In one particular group to which I belong there are to be found Republicans, Democrats, Liberals, Conservatives, Apoliticals, Panpoliticals, and every combination of these you could imagine. We are not to discuss religious doctrine in that group, either, for in it we have Catholics, Evangelicals, Baptists, Theists, Agnostics, and the like. Were we to relinquish the floor for open debate on either of just these two subjects we would soon devolve into a shouting match – even though we swear that we like each other! To come together with those who have a common interest, habit, or lifestyle is pleasing to the soul. It is uplifting and informational for all. But wait, there’s more.
David wrote about it being similar to precious ointment upon the head. Not just there but also to the amount that it flows down and covers the entire person and their environment! We speak of a warm, fuzzy feeling that we sometimes get; however, David is taking it up a notch. In this Psalm he presents it as a healing presence, a covering, and exchange or interaction of power. This fellowship causes us to bond with each other in such a way that we draw strength from one another, that we can actually sense a healing in our brokenness, that ministry is taking place – just by the mere act of being with one another! How awesome God has made us!
Lastly, David says that it is in the presence of one another, in that gathering of souls, in that spirit of harmony (unitedness, oneness) that God has commanded His blessing – even life for evermore. Wow! To think that the scripture is true when it says that “where two or three are gathered together I will be in their midst.” Now, of course I realize that this is not speaking of my membership in the Toastmasters Organization or Optimist Club. It is, in fact, speaking strictly in this Psalm of my belonging and gathering with my fellow believers. But there is a measure of truth that applies even to my civic memberships. Think back with me to the book of Genesis when God looked down upon the people in the city of Babel (Genesis 11). It was here the people had come together and decided to build an altar, a memorial tower, that would reach into the heavens. When God saw what they were doing and what their plans were, He came down and confounded their speech to the point they had to abandon their plans. Before He did that, however, look at His words: “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” I LOVE READING THE VERY WORDS THAT COME OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD! Re-read that again. The people is one – with one language and one mind – and now nothing will be restrained (or impossible) for them, which they have imagined to do. That’s God speaking!
My friend I don’t need to tell you it is hard sometimes to motivate yourself to get out. Especially when it is 17 degrees and there is five inches of snow outside, but I challenge you when the opportunity presents itself – get together with some friends. Meet them at Hardees if nothing else and just share a cup of coffee. There is something (the world would call) magic in our gathering together. According to the Holy Spirit Who guided the pen of David, I would venture to say there is something supernatural in coming together. Perhaps that’s why the same Holy Spirit directed (we believe it to have been Paul) to write to the Hebrews (in Hebrews 10:25) that we are not to abandon the assembling of ourselves together...and so much the more as you see the day (of the Lord) approaching. Trust me – I understand bad backs and knees, and I completely understand panic attacks; however, there are other ways to stay in touch. A phone call, a handwritten note or letter, social media, and more. Most churches anymore offer online services with live chat where you can type in requests and comments. It’s not the same, but it is a start.
I challenge you to find a group of some kind to get together with systematically – even if you have to host it! Doctors have known for years there is something healing in positive touch. Get together a lady’s group to spend an hour together each week, start a men’s group that meets for coffee or a meal each week, anything just to get around other people. And don’t forget, once you break the ice – don’t forget to come home to your church. You SHALL be blessed. God commanded it.
Be blessed.
留言