AUGUST 4: The Blessing of Unity

In the Psalm above, David speaks of the unity of believers as something that is “good and pleasant”. He further illustrates the riches of the unity of the church by two comparisons. First, is with “Precious oil”. This precious oil was sacred, fragrant anointing oil. It was made according to the specifications of the LORD (Exodus 30:22-29). It was a sign of consecration to the priestly service and pointed to the equipping of the Holy Spirit.

David simply emphasizes the fact that the unity of the church is like that oil, the oil on Aaron’s head. This is an expression of consecration in service, and it sets the church apart from secular organizations. The unity of the church is a visible testimony of a bond between God and the church and among believers. God through unity rubs on believers, the grace and presence of the Holy Spirit.

The psalmist also compares the unity of the church with “The dew of Hermon”. Hermon is the name of a high mountain between what is now Syria and Lebanon. The top of Hermon is usually enveloped with snow all year. When this snow melts, moisture goes into the air. At night, the air in Israel cools off quite a bit, especially near the mountains. The moisture then condenses and results in an abundance of dew. The dew is important for keeping vegetation alive during the dry summer periods. Why this comparison? David pictures the refreshing effect of unity in the LORD. Unity keeps the church and its life from withering and dying. It causes the church to bloom even in hard conditions, “For there, the LORD commanded the blessings, even life forever more (V.3).

PRAYER: may the blessings of unity be our portion, Amen.