Unity of Brethren
PSALM 133 King James Version
A Song of degrees of David.
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 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; 3 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.
There are four main points. First, it is good and pleasant when brothers dwell together in unity. Second, it is fragrant. Third, it is refreshing. Finally, it is the sure guarantee of God’s blessing.
Unity among brethren is a sight to behold! It is most rare and almost non-existent in today’s Christian realm.
The other day I was talking to some friends about coming to church with me. They would not consider coming to church anywhere, because they see the church divided into many factions that can’t get along, and yet God is a God of unity, love, and peace. WOW! How sad that the world sees not the Glory of God; but the disgrace of how we act toward one another.
Unity does not require that we see eye to eye on everything; but on matters of basic truth it is important that we agree. Instead of magnifying the differences, we should look at the seven positive realities of true unity in Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all .
Unity will show the world the glory and love of God: John 17:20—23 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
Unity is like the Holy anointing oil used on Aaron the priest. Pouring it on his head, it run down over his beard, then to the edge of his robe; the pleasing scent was enjoyed not only by him but also by all present. Anointing Oil is a type of the Holy Spirit; descending as a sweet smelling savor on God’s people when they live happily together, spreading the aroma of their testimony to the surrounding communities.
Unity brings refreshment! The dew that descends on Mt. Zion comes from Mt. Hermon during the night so that by morning the heavy moisture refreshes the land. The dew typifies the Holy Spirit, bringing refreshment from united brethren to the ends of the earth. No one can measure how far-reaching is the influence of believers who walk in fellowship with God and with one another.
The Lord commands the blessing where brothers and sisters live together in unity. On the Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
The disciples were living in harmony and peace, united in Prayer and waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. Suddenly, the Spirit of God descended on them in all His fullness and they went forth with the fragrance and refreshment of the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth.
The blessing was life for evermore. When there is unity among God’s people, they enjoy life in its truest sense, and become the channel through which life flows out to the world.
I close with this prayer:
Abba! Father, Great and Mighty God of heaven and earth, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ your Son to forgive us for our division; that you send down the fire of unity upon the church leaders, for it starts with them and spreads to each member of the body. Father I ask that that you bestow the Wisdom of Solomon on each of your Shepherd’s; that they understand the need for unity. Father I pray that we set aside our differences and join together each month in prayer that You will repair and rebuild the spiritual wall around our city and grant us Your protection. Father I ask for every soul in our city that does not know you. Father I ask that You guide our government leaders to make good decisions. Father show us Your Glory and Love. In the Name of Jesus Amen!