Psalm Meditation 881
Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 7, 2017

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.
(NRSV)

It is good when folks, related or not, can live in unity. Unity does not mean unanimous agreement on all questions. Unity means learning to live with each other despite our differences, giving each other some latitude in any number of areas. Unless you are currently living in an isolated area you are probably in a position to disagree with someone close to you in some area that is important. The psalmist tells us that unity is the direction to lean when we disagree.

For the psalmist, unity is like being anointed with oil. Interestingly, anointing with oil was a symbol of being set apart for some special work of God. Seeking unity, not unanimity, with those around us sets us apart as people of God. We aren’t anointed for being right, for defending our own view as if it were the only view. We are anointed for moving in the direction of unity. Unity requires deep listening. Unity requires seeing the truth in each side of the discussion. Unity requires seeing God in the face, hands, and heart of people we would just as soon ignore.

Seeking unity is hard work. It takes courage, commitment, and a willingness to see beyond our own boundaries and limitations. The psalmist tells us it is worth the effort. It is like being chosen and set apart. Being set apart does not remove us from the fray. Sometimes, usually, it puts us in the middle, a target on every side of body and soul. Living in unity is akin to being anointed, set apart for a special work, a special blessing from God.

May 1, 2017
LCM