Day 122.
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity! (Psalm 133:1 ESV)
There are occasional days when all of my children have fun together without arguments flaring up. Last Monday was one of those days. I took 3 of them with me on an errand that took us Southeast of Houston. While there, we went to the Kemah boardwalk and they got to ride the park rides. While I knew they would have fun, I was surprised by how well they all got along throughout the duration of the day. As we drove away from the park with the windows down, the bay breeze blowing across our faces, the radio playing all of their favorite songs, and their voices singing along and heads dancing I knew I was getting to see something special. My errand was to pick up some used wheels for my car to save money. Most of the money I saved was spent on the adventure and throughout the day I was somewhat anxious about that. But at that moment, I realized that I would have paid any price to see such genuine love flowing between them. It was magical. How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sister) dwell in unity!
Of course, the meaning of the verse goes beyond just getting along. It includes the notion of unity toward a particular purpose – a cooperative spirit. As Israel journeyed to Jerusalem to the temple on the Sabbath or during one of the great feasts, they knew they were brought together by their common God. Their purpose was brought into view as the temple drew near, and that was to glorify God. God established them as they marched in battle united together to conquer the inhabitants of the Promised Land, those God had judged. Brothers from one tribe would leave their homes and crops and families for a time to battle against the enemies that occupied the land given to another tribe, perhaps even a far away tribe. It was a big sacrifice to make. But they were brothers and they dwelt together in unity under the banner of their God.
May our church be a proof of this verse!
Amen!