Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Strength in Unity

Psalms 133
 

David was born in Bethlehem, the youngest son of Jesse of the tribe of Judah. The prophet Samuel secretly anointed David as Saul's successor, after revoking Saul's designation king. David was a skilled harpist and was brought to the royal court to divert Saul with music and alleviate the depression that Saul had succumbed to under the strain of his responsibilities. David won the undying friendship of the crown prince, Jonathan, whose sister Michal he married. After Saul's jealousy had forced David to flee for his life, he had two opportunities to slay the King but magnanimously spared him. Saul eventually met his end at Gilboa, together with three of his sons, including Jonathan. After a period of mourning, David proceeded to Hebron, where he was chosen king by the elders of Judah. Saul's general Abner, however, proclaimed Ishbosheth, a surviving son of King Saul, as the sovereign. In the civil war that followed, Ishbaal and Abner were slain. Their deaths removed the last obstacles from David's path to the throne. In about 1010 B.C. David was crowned king of all the Israelites.

According to the theologian John Gill, David wrote Psalms 133 during this time of being crowned king of Israel, thus officially ending the horrific turmoil and divisions which occurred in Israel and bringing unity to the nation. 

In the first part of this psalm, David explains the importance of brethren living in unity. David says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”. When David says this he has in mind the importance of people collaborating together to form peaceful relationships with each other. In the second part of this psalm David vividly describes the blessings of living in harmony with others by saying, “It is like the precious oil upon the head”. During those times oil was used to greet someone and intended to rejuvenate the person who was receiving the oil. Unity refreshes us all and brings a peaceful environment for everyone.

God wants us all to be in unity with those around us. This isn’t something that God recommends us to do but rather it is commanded by God to each and every single one of us. God commands this to us in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men”. Unity is important because it brings brethren in spirit together and brings harmony between people. 

 Today we live in a world of instability, hatred, and evil. Husband and wife run behind their passions and during the course neglect their God-given responsibilities. Siblings who don't want to lend a helping hand during hardships and even ignore each other. Colleagues shoving each other to climb the corporate hierarchy. As Christians, we should strive to live in peace, be considerate toward others, and ultimately be united through Jesus and the blood that he has shed for us on cavalry. 

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for everything you’ve done for us. Help us not to be arrogant to those around us. Grant us the desire to work together as a Christian community and to come together in unity.

Thought for the Day

Unity is strength, the division is weakness.” – Swahili Proverb

Kevin Idicula
      Epiphany MTC New York 

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