Live long lives

As you may know I grew up in a traditional Indian home in Malaysia. I am third generation Malaysian. We have traditional baths for special occasions where we would pour coconut oil over our heads, and then have a bath. It was never explained to me, but it was a ritual of cleansing and preparation. As I read today's chapter, it reminded about that childhood experience.

Psalm 133:2

It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Running down on the beard,

The beard of Aaron,

Running down on the edge of his garments.

The dew of Hermon and the precious oil upon the head and running down the beard and the length of a garment is the picture given. A beautiful picture that the people of Israel were familiar with. One was visual the other was the feeling of being relaxed and cooled. All this was used to describe the experience of unity among the brethren. Yes, there is such tremendous blessing says the Psalmist.

Psalm 133:1

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!

The Psalm ends with a two word statement: "Life Forevermore".

Father, I want to enjoy the unity of the brethren today. It brings power in our message of Your love for mankind and long life.

Reflection from 2016:

I gathered with a community of believers in Auckland last night and you could see the tremendous unity forged among the friends. This forms a blessing not just to the people in the group but also to their families and others around them. What an impact this must have on the communities beyond.

Our life of significance must surely include the unity of the brethren that brings transformation to every community that we are a part of. The DNA world certainly rub off on to others if we replicate the unity outside the brethren. Perhaps that is the blessing the Lord is saying through the Psalmist.

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