There are things that cannot go together and must be kept separate. By all means keep a flame of fire from the open can of gasoline that you are carrying! Light and darkness cannot be mixed. In the measure that the one comes, the other goes. But there are things that go well together.
There is a situation, to which the psalmist calls attention in Psalm 133:1,2, where a most blessed union is to be seen. There David writes, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of the garments." And we are called to look closely at that blessed unity.
The truth of these verses will be seen in the new Jerusalem, when the redeemed out of even nation, tongue, and tribe will be united as one holy nation, one glorious body of Christ with one life, one love, and one work to which they are consecrated.
But there is and must be a manifestation and exercise of this unity also in our lives today. We must live as well as sing David's words thus:
How good and pleasant is the sight
When brethren make it their delight
To dwell in sweet accord:
Such love is like anointing oil
That consecrates to holy toil
The servants of the Lord.
Indeed, what a sight that is! And that unity is possible only between brethren, that is, those born again of the same Father, Whose Son is the Head of the church, who have the unction of His Spirit poured on them. They think alike, have the same love, and work together to glorify God. And from the head to their feet we see a beautiful picture of what brings goodness and pleasure.
But is this true in your life? Can you put aside fleshly cravings, forgive your brother or sister, and jointly seek the perfect harmony of serving and glorifying God? Does He come first in your life?
Look for that in your life and strive to walk with your brother in Christ, so that you see in your life what is good and truly pleasant.
Read: Psalm 133 and Romans 12
Psalter versification: #370:1
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
Song for Meditation: Psalter #23
Why not sing along??
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Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
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I Chronicles 5
I Chronicles 6
Acts 26:1-32
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 18:20-21
Quote for Reflection:
This is the spirit of discernment, by which the elect discriminate between the truth of God and the false inventions of men. So then, in the sheep of Christ a knowledge of the truth goes before, and next follows an earnest desire to obey, so that they not only understand what is true, but receive it with warmaffection. – John Calvin
Additional Info
- Date: 8-July
