Sunday, December 4, 2016 pm
HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT IT IS
Psalm 133
This psalm is attributed to David.
One who would have understood the bitterness and distress of
division in contrast with the pleasantness of unity.
a.
Here the psalmist
emphasizes the blessedness of godly unity.
b.
We appreciate that which
is good and pleasant. There
are many things that possess one quality or the other.
There are things that are good, but not pleasant – sometimes
healthy living is the most pleasant way – involving sacrifice, etc.
Medicine is good, but not always pleasant.
Other things are pleasant – sweets, the things we enjoy – but not good
for us.
That which is both good and pleasant is not so common.
c.
Furthermore,
good as used here is a
word that means having desirable or positive qualities.
Pleasant, agreeable, good.
This is the word used throughout Genesis 1, “And God saw that it
was good.” Anything God
creates IS good! Be reminded
that in the New Testament, Jesus addressed only God as being good –
Matthew 19:17. Also see
Romans 5:7 where the word is descriptive of things greater than mere
righteousness (just doing enough).
Pleasant – something that
brings pleasure because it is acceptable.
Psalm 135:3, Praise the
LORD, for the LORD is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is
pleasant.
Psalm 147:1, Praise the LORD! For
it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is
beautiful.
d.
What is good and pleasant?
Godly unity is both good AND pleasant. In every way, this can said!
As Christians we should meditate on the qualities that promote this
unity – pleasant and good qualities.
See Philippians 4:8 – meditate on these things;
Galatians 5:22-23 – against such there is no law.
Such things are pleasant AND good.
James 3:17-18 – the wisdom from
above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of
mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make
peace.
a.
There are many examples
of division in scripture – from Cain and Abel (Genesis 3), Jacob and
Esau, Saul and David, Israel and Judah.
Consider the strife present in each of these examples.
Is it any wonder why we should strive for peace – the absence of strife?
b.
Unity is a goal to be
achieved - As Christians, the New Testament emphasizes unity
i.
By this all will know we
are His disciples – if we have love.
John 13:34-35. When
we love we will be united.
ii.
Ephesians 4:1-3 – a walk
worthy of our calling – endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace
iii.
John 17:20-21 – that
they all may be one
iv.
Being united makes our
worship pleasant! In fact it
is intended to bring us together – singing together, partaking of Lord’s
Supper together, etc.
c.
Furthermore, we are
brethren – a body, joined and fit together – Ephesians 4:16, Romans
12:4-5, cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
We together are the family of God and ought to act like it.
Consider Genesis 13:7 when the herdsmen of Abram and Lot were at strife.
Note how Abram seeks a solution saying,
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let
there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your
herdsmen; for we are brethren.”
Being brethren ought to be a motivator to do good.
d.
Consider how these
feasts were intended to bring the nation of Israel together – a reminder
that they are brethren. A
time to together worship God in unison.
a.
A description of the
anointing of the High Priest. Exodus
29:7 – instructions for Aaron and his sons to be consecrated.
Leviticus 8:12 – they are anointed.
The oil was abundantly poured on the head and flowed down.
b.
Think of the ceremony of
anointing a high priest (or a king).
When the right person is anointed, it is typically a good day
with rejoicing. A
celebration.
c.
Also, when you consider
that a priest, through sacrifices produced unity between God and the
nation – it brings thoughts of pleasant and good things.
d.
There is a preciousness
in knowing that our sins are forgiven – Romans 4:7, “Blessed
are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;”
Ephesians 1:3, 7 – blessings in Him, including the forgiveness of sins.
John was able to write to these brethren, “because your sins are
forgiven” (1 John 2:12)
e.
And when we are brethren
united, there ought to be that same pleasantness.
a.
Hermon was a mountain
range that was part of the northern border of Israel, as Joshua
conquered the land. As
with many mountains, perhaps it was a source of water leading into the
Jordan region and valleys.
Our text mentions the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of
Zion (in the region of Jerusalem).
Provisions “from above” if you will.
NOTE: While Mt. Hermon was about 100 miles north of Jerusalem, still the
city and valley in some way benefited from its sources.
b.
The picture of this dew
on the mountains to me is the quiet of the morning in contrast to the
business of a hectic day that is about to begin.
We treasure those times of peace and solitude and we seek to
collect our thoughts for the day.
It is a country valley surrounded by lush, green mountains that
is pleasant. (I think of an
early morning in Cades Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains).
A beautiful, serene place.
c.
True unity gives us this
type of peace and tranquility!
There is a pleasantness to brethren who are glad to see one
another and who are in agreement.
When we are truly the body of Christ, we will anticipate coming together
to worship Him.
a.
As I notice this verse,
the application is a challenge to understand.
But here are some thoughts.
b.
This is a COMMAND!
i.
The word could describe
a command TO them – certainly, it was the LORD’S desire that Israel be
united with one another and through His precepts.
For us – i.e. Unity is commanded as well -
Cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10.
ii.
Here, it seems to
describe God commanding His will to be accomplished.
He is in control. When He
speaks it happens – Jeremiah 32:27, “Is
there anything too hard for Me?”
Luke 18:27, Things impossible with man are possible with God.
Hebrews 11:3 - by faith we
understand the worlds were created…
2 Peter 3:5-7, etc.
iii.
It was in Zion where
Israel would come together – this place was His choice as well
c.
This is a blessing from the LORD
– the word implies something that endues us with power
for success, prosperity, and longevity (cf. TWOT).
God commands that we be united – but it is not without reward.
In fact, the blessings that accompany unity are from the Lord
Himself – Again one might say that He knows what He is doing.
d.
Life forevermore
– this is the blessing He has commanded.
It is also a blessing of genuine unity based upon His will.
It leads to life – Psalm 16:11,
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures
forevermore.
Psalm 23:6, “I shall dwell in the
house of the LORD forever more.”
For us - unity
builds us up and makes us stronger.
Seldom does a unified body of the Lord’s people perish.
But strife and division will destroy her speedily.
There is also the eternal reward as we obey His will -
why are we striving for unity –
that we may spend eternity together, with Him and with one another.
1 John 2:25 – this is the promise
that He has promised us – eternal life.
Philippians 3:14-16,
begins with Paul’s pressing to the goal for the prize (his eternal
reward) – but notice vs. 15-16 – don’t keep this to yourself!
As many as are mature, have
this mind!...Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule, be of the same mind.
Heaven is not just about YOUR citizenship, but OUR citizenship is in
heaven – Philippians 3:20. 2
Timothy 4:6-8 – the crown of righteousness is for all who have loved His
appearing.
And
thus we see another psalm of David.
A psalm that reminds us of the blessedness of unity.
God designed this world so that we would seek to get along with
one another. Sadly, far too
many do not wish to make that happen.
But, when we come together as the body of Christ, let it be an
escape from a divided world and a place where we truly count it a
blessing to be with others of “like precious faith” seeking to make this
body just a small taste of the eternal life to come forever more.
Are you striving for unity with God and His people?