HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT!

HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT!
Psalm 133:1 KJV
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Only three verses, this short psalm packs in a lot! First, it invites us to turn aside and look. Though “Behold” is not found in newer translations (like NIV or ESV), the exclamatory nature of the verse warrants it. The celebratory shout cannot but call for our attention. But what is so “Instagram-worthy” about it? 

Our denomination of 16 churches broke up when our leaders could not resolve their differences over controversies which divided our churches. We went each our separate ways. After some 20 years, a few of us met and proposed a regathering of our churches. Seven churches eventually formed a fraternity which met for lunch every month. I met and renewed friendship with fellow pastors whom I had not seen for years.  

When I invited the leaders of a church not yet in the fraternity to join us, one of them challenged me, “Give us one compelling reason why we should join.” Apparently, all the reasons I had given were not compelling enough. Instead of words, I sent him a picture, one taken on my 70th birthday, with my wife, our children and grandchildren. I wrote, “They came together and brought me great joy. Let us come together and bring joy to our heavenly Father.”  

Indeed, the psalmist brings together two metaphors to express the beauty and delight of unity: the anointing oil in the Temple, and the mountain dew in nature. The oil of consecration running down from Aaron’s head speaks of God’s favour and blessing. The dew of Hermon falling on Zion (though geographically 190 km apart) speaks of God’s benevolence and refreshing. While unity begins with man’s initiative, it climaxes as God’s desire and delight. 

Ultimately, unity is God’s work, for he makes us one in Jesus his Son. We are only called to keep it, not make it (Eph 4.3). Coming together not only brings joy to the Father, it answers the prayer of Jesus to his Father (John 17.20-21): “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” 

Unity brings joy, to the children and to the Father.