May 2 (Daily reading: Psalms 133) Perhaps our reading was short today to give us more time to meditate on the idea of dwelling together in unity (v. 1). The reference to “oil on the head” brings to mind the anointing of Aaron as priest (Lev. 8:12) or the anointing of David as king. After David was anointed, “the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward” (1 Sam. 16:13). Oil in the Bible represents the Holy Spirit; the point is that unity can only come from God, from the anointing of His Spirit in our lives.
Mount Hermon, the highest mountain in the area at over 9000 feet, would have a refreshing dew even when the desert-like area surrounding it was hot and dry. God’s people come together, and they are refreshed by their unity—even though they may be surrounded by spiritual drought.
I quote from my book: “‘Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Eph. 4:3). Unity and peace! Not the unity of human effort, but the unity provided by the Holy Spirit, who lives in each one of us! And we have the promise of peace that accompanies this unity. David said it well: ‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!’ (Ps. 133:1).” (“We Love Because God First Loved Us” (page 68).
David wrote, “For there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forever” (Ps. 133:3). In the refreshing dew of unity with God and with our brothers and sisters, we have the blessing of eternal life. This should motivate us to be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit.” Jesus gave us the highest motivation for unity: “I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and You loved them, just as You loved Me” (Jn. 17:23).
– Al Gary
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