Psalm
133 reminds me of growing up with 4 older brothers. We had regular
fights and tussles, but Dad made it clear that we were to always
stand by our brother outside. There was great security in knowing I
was never alone. I was never picked on, and all of my friends loved
being included too because they received that security. The psalm
begins, “How
good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”
This sounds like the expression of every parent. Perhaps describing
a father’s pride in his children, the psalm relates the soothing
effect of being anointed by oil, “like
precious oil poured on the head“.
In that day, this was a way to honor someone and also remove the
smell and dirt and sweat. As a parent, it is refreshing and
heartwarming to see your kids cooperate on anything. I think the
lesson is, it honors God when we live in unity. Within the Family
of God, we have brothers and sisters to stand with us. Ephesians 4
reminds us, “Be
completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in
love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the
bond of peace“. Yes we
will have squabbles, but in the end, the only thing exclusive about
followers of Christ is the choice to accept His invitation of
forgiveness. “It
is
as
if the dew… were
falling on Mount Zion…
For there the LORD bestows His blessing, even life forevermore“.
I hope you experience security and the unity of being part of God’s
family.
Psalm
134 is very short, with a very important warning. It begins, “Praise
the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night“.
According to Adam Clark, this implies “Take heed”. I think this
could be a word of caution to anyone who ministers alone. Lots of
strange stuff happens at night. Yes, I believe everyone should have
their own time of prayer and study, but that is to
prepare us to minister to and with others.
In those times of solitude he is clear that we should “Lift
up your hands in the sanctuary
and
praise the LORD…the
Maker of heaven and earth“.
Psalm 135 adds even more emphasis, “Praise
the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise Him… for the Lord is
good; sing praise to His name“.
I imagine every preacher has had to guard against believing the
praise of parishioners. Pride is a dangerous thing for a teacher of
God’s Word. The psalmist adds, “The
Lord has chosen Jacob to be His own“.
Remember Jacob had a twin brother. Jacob was second born and a
sneak, yet God changed his name to Israel. Every minister should
remember the truth in 1 Timothy 1:16, “I
was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus
might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who
would believe on Him and receive eternal life“.
God works through you because, “The
Lord does whatever pleases Him“.
Psalm
135 continues the reminder that God is Holy and Righteous and
Sovereign and we are just recipients of His love. “He
makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; He sends lightning with
the rain… He sent His signs and wonders into your midst“.
Friend, you can be thankful for the rain or only fret about the
lightning. In large part, that is based on your view of God. Is God
rich in mercy, or full of vengeance? He adds, “For
the Lord will vindicate His people
and
have compassion on His servants“.
Interestingly he then describes idols “made
by the hands of men… They cannot speak… they cannot see…cannot
hear“.
I believe this is a warning not to elevate any teacher above
scrutiny. He says, “Those
who make them will be like them“.
Your pastor needs prayers, not praise. He ends as he began, “Praise
the LORD“.
My friend, come hang out with my family!