When Brothers Dwell in Unity

This past week the executive committee and state representatives of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International met in San Antonio, Texas, for their annual leadership meeting. This group enjoyed challenges from God’s Word, special prayer time, meaningful discussions, and strategic planning. The Fellowship president, Jon Haley, presided over the meetings with the assistance of Randy Harp, executive director of the Fellowship central office. Special presentations were made by vice presidents John Theisen, Kevin Carson, and Jason Peterman.

As one of the participants, I could not help but think of Psalm 133. It reads:

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

¹ Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!

² It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Running down on the beard,

The beard of Aaron,

Running down on the edge of his garments.

³ It is like the dew of Hermon,

Descending upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the Lord commanded the blessing—

Life forevermore. (Psalm 133:1-3)

 

Understanding this Psalm

The Israelites would recite this psalm as they made their way to Jerusalem to worship the Lord. As they take each step toward worship, they prepared their hearts by reflecting on the blessings of God to them – specifically upon His blessings bestowed upon them.

They extolled how good and how pleasant it is to do life together, just as extended family dwelling together in harmony. Here, they reflect upon the family of God enjoying relationship together. They exclaim it as good and pleasant. Good relates to how productive it is and pleasant refers to how delightful it is.

You know this more than likely from your own family experience. When family gets together and spends a day together talking, laughing, eating, and sharing time together, it is common to hear people say, “We shouldn’t let so much time go by before we do this again.” Why? Because it is good and pleasant. Time with the family brings with it a desire for more time with the family.

The same is true when those in the family of God get together in unity. As you spend time together reading the Word, understanding its meaning, seeking to apply what is read, sharing your hearts with each other, praying together, and discussing family business, this time together reminds you of its beauty, joy, and personal benefit.

Life Together Is God’s Blessing to Us

The psalmist uses two different illustrations to help us understand how unity reflects God’s blessings. The first illustration is the anointing oil poured on the head of Aaron. It would begin on his head and run down his beard to the collar of his garments. It was poured from above on his head and covered everything.

Similarly, the second illustration demonstrates the same thing. The tall mountain Herman was known for its rich moisture. Here, the psalmist calls it a heavy dew. As the dew descends, it covers everything thoroughly.

So is God’s blessings of unity. Where unity exists among the family of God, it is nothing less than God’s blessings from above to the people of God. Unity is the result of the work of God and represents His blessings on His people. Indeed, unity among the brethren is good and delightful.

This past week, being with and around the leadership of the Fellowship, reminded me of the truth of this text. My, oh my, how good and pleasant it is when the brethren dwell together in unity.

Other Pictures from the Week

Here are a few snapshots from the week.