Psalm 133 - Good and pleasant

Read: Psalm 133 vs 1-3

In the Bible God’s people are pictured as being members of a family. That image begins with the call of Abraham in Genesis 12, when the LORD promised to give him a family would be blessed and who would be a blessing. So as the Old Testament story rolls forward it becomes the story not just of individuals in relationship to God, but of family members in relationship with one another. 

There are times in the Old Testament when we see this family (God’s people) functioning well, with a real togetherness. There are moments in books like Exodus, Joshua, Nehemiah when this family stands together and real blessing is experienced. However sadly often in the Old Testament we see a picture not just of a family but of a divided family. From Jacob’s squabbling sons through to the complete division of God’s people into two in the book of 1 Kings, this story is far from a story of happy families.

Stepping into the New Testament the story continues. Again the language of family runs through the New Testament, with Christians often being referred to as ‘brothers and sisters’, and yet family struggles are there too. The disciples argue on the road as they walk behind Jesus, and in numerous places throughout ‘the letters’ section we read of individual Christians, and even leaders, struggling to get on well.

All of this brings us today to Psalm 133:

‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’

Unity among God’s people, then and now, is very precious, and it is in that place of unity ad togetherness that ‘the LORD bestows His blessing’ (vs 3). However this unity doesn’t come easily, like many things that are worthwhile it is something to be prized, something to work for, something to guarded, and something to persevere in. A unity that is pleasant to us and precious to our Heavenly Father.

Prayer: Father thank You that you call us to be members of Your family. Please help us to grow in unity and togetherness with one another, and never to give up on this road that leads to true blessing. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.