Reflecting the Image

Scripture:

Psalm 133

1 

How very good and pleasant it is
    when kindred live together in unity!

2 

It is like the precious oil on the head,
    running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
    running down over the collar of his robes.

3 

It is like the dew of Hermon,
    which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
    life forevermore.

Observation:

The Psalmist reflects upon God’s people living together in unity. I love the adjectives—that it is “good” and it is “pleasant.” Those words sound so peaceful—God’s people being of one mind and heart, flowing together in the stream of the Holy Spirit.

He goes on to give us more images of what this unity feels like. We may not think that oil being poured on our heads sounds like a good thing, but in those days, oil was used for anointing and also as a way of caring for oneself. On our terms, it may be something like taking a long, hot shower, shampooing our hair, and putting on a fresh set of clothing after working outside on a steamy day. There is something soothing and refreshing about it.

This unity is also like the dew of Hermon. I imagine the beautiful morning dew settling over a dry landscape, bringing much-needed freshness and newness of life.

These are images of abundance, refreshment, and blessing. This unity reminds us of God’s blessing over His people—life forevermore.

It makes you want to take a deep breath, sigh, and relax.

Application:

So often we think about the spiritual journey as an individual one. We wonder, “Where am I on my spiritual journey?”

And then comes the reminder that we are on this journey both individually and collectively.

The Triune God lives in a community of holy love. If God lives and moves in community, then we, the people of God, should reflect that community of holy love as well.

John Wesley famously said, “There is no holiness but social holiness.” Many people have interpreted that as referring to our social activity in the world, when in reality he was reminding us that holiness is to be lived together with others.

The reflection of God’s holy love among His people, serving Him in unity, is powerful. The world senses it and is drawn into the savor of God’s presence among His people.

Recently, I was with a group of believers as we contemplated what it would mean to go deeper with the Lord. We had been reflecting on Ezekiel’s vision of the river flowing from the temple, becoming deeper and deeper as it went.

There was a lot of honest conversation about fear, especially fear of the unknown. What might it mean to leave the safety of the shallow water and move into the deeper places of the Spirit?

But suddenly, there was a moment of realization.

We are not on this journey alone.

As we move farther into the river of the Holy Spirit, those who are united can link arms and go on the journey together. Not only is the Spirit with us, but we have one another to help us through the challenges we may face as we reach deeper waters.

We can go deeper together.

No wonder the Psalmist had such high thoughts and expectations of the blessing of unity.

In unity, the reflection of God’s image becomes magnified. It is like the sweet morning dew, bringing freshness and life, spreading the savor of His presence and blessing throughout the earth.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for those You have brought into my life who are willing to link arms and go deeper on this journey. They are a blessing to me. Continue to help us move together in unity, wherever Your Spirit leads. Amen.