Psalm 133
Preaching
A Journey Through the Psalms: Reflections for Worried Hearts and Troubled Times
Preaching the Psalms Cycles A, B, C
Object:
Living in unity is a beatific vision. How wonderful it would be in our nation if, rather than vitriolic polarization, we would have unity. It would, as this psalm suggests, be "like the precious oil running down on the beard of Aaron." Imagine a day when national security is understood to be the result of building unity across the face of the globe, rather than hoarding the world's resources and maintaining a military force powerful enough to maintain our riches.
Focus the lens down now, closer to home. Dream a dream, if you can, of communities no longer divided by race or economic standing. Give birth in your heart to a new sense of unity. Sing a song of a unity that is not forged in stamped-out conformity, but rather, a unity that is woven of the tapestry of our God-given differences. This is a coming together rooted in the conviction that each person, and that truly means everyone, is created in the image of God.
The unity called for in this psalm is not this former kind of unity. It is a shalom unity. A holistic coming together that draws upon the strengths of all and makes secure the weaknesses of each person, community, or nation. This unity is nothing less than the kingdom of God. The building of such a unity is perhaps the primary calling from our God.
Here we are given a vision of its beauty. It is like the "dew of Hermon," a pastiche of a mist-shrouded morning in a pastoral setting. It is an ideal that is often brushed off as unattainable and seldom, if ever, strived for by us or any previous generation.
Unity is a blessing "ordained by God." It is, therefore, something that each pastor and congregation, each community across the nation ought to strive to achieve. Take a moment. Close the eyes. Still the heart. Allow a vision of a first step to God's unity in the community. Don't think big. Think of something that is "doable." One idea might be a "community partners" ministry, reaching out to those in the community that the church doesn't connect with at this time. Another effort might be a tutorial ministry that offers homework help with positive adult role models for children in your community that need both the help and the positive input.
Unity comes, not with a noble pronouncement, but with small steps such as these, taken prayerfully, and hearts full of God's love. Truthfully now, prayerfully, what steps can you take? When will you take them?
Focus the lens down now, closer to home. Dream a dream, if you can, of communities no longer divided by race or economic standing. Give birth in your heart to a new sense of unity. Sing a song of a unity that is not forged in stamped-out conformity, but rather, a unity that is woven of the tapestry of our God-given differences. This is a coming together rooted in the conviction that each person, and that truly means everyone, is created in the image of God.
The unity called for in this psalm is not this former kind of unity. It is a shalom unity. A holistic coming together that draws upon the strengths of all and makes secure the weaknesses of each person, community, or nation. This unity is nothing less than the kingdom of God. The building of such a unity is perhaps the primary calling from our God.
Here we are given a vision of its beauty. It is like the "dew of Hermon," a pastiche of a mist-shrouded morning in a pastoral setting. It is an ideal that is often brushed off as unattainable and seldom, if ever, strived for by us or any previous generation.
Unity is a blessing "ordained by God." It is, therefore, something that each pastor and congregation, each community across the nation ought to strive to achieve. Take a moment. Close the eyes. Still the heart. Allow a vision of a first step to God's unity in the community. Don't think big. Think of something that is "doable." One idea might be a "community partners" ministry, reaching out to those in the community that the church doesn't connect with at this time. Another effort might be a tutorial ministry that offers homework help with positive adult role models for children in your community that need both the help and the positive input.
Unity comes, not with a noble pronouncement, but with small steps such as these, taken prayerfully, and hearts full of God's love. Truthfully now, prayerfully, what steps can you take? When will you take them?
