I chose this last psalm in the series, Psalm 133, because it was reflective of the hope type of writings that are known as wisdom literature—it is a wisdom psalm. Its opening verse is also the one which Dietrich Bonhoeffer chose to begin his work, Life Together about Christians living together in community. He wrote: “’How good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!’ (Psalm 133:1) The Christian cannot simply take for granted the privilege of living among other Christians.”
As people living in the midst of the pandemic we find Bonhoeffer’s words to be true for us. What we have in relationship to other members of our church, in relationship to family members and friends, is precious. Although we may find many reasons not to see each other regularly in person we can before this time—even though there may be reasons in our previous experience not to value our brothers and sisters in our family, among our friends, and even in the church—hopefully when this seclusion ends, we will value others—we will find our relationships precious.
The psalmist goes on to give two metaphors for what blessed good relationships are like. They are like precious scented oil upon the head. We might say today they are like “a fresh new haircut” or “styling” after three months of lack of lack of grooming. They are like a beard that has been sheared after a season’s growth! To say that is to say that relationships are precious! Unity is to be cherished!
Finally, the psalmist says having good relationships is like the dew God gives miraculously and which gives life to an otherwise parched place. Think of a visit with a long-ago lost friend and how it brings refreshment to your day. My wife connected with two elementary school friends last week on Facebook for a while in Minneapolis and she was renewed!
There is great wisdom in having good relationships in our circles of experience. It can carry us a long way through times that are haggard or dry, times when as Carole King wrote “when we’re down and troubled and need a helping hand.” We may feel alone, but if we are in the circle of brothers and sisters in the faith, the Good News is we are not alone. We have brothers and sisters from different mothers and fathers, but who really all originate in our gracious parent, God.
I also find wisdom in these times of dissension to find ways to talk to one another about difficult topics such as race. In the days since the death of George Floyd, there have been protests and marching and demonstrations. Much has been said straight out to all, and it needs to be said. But I am encouraged when people get together, even by Zoom, like today in Wisconsin and talk about how “brothers and sisters can get live together in unity.”
Let’s us carry on those conversations as well in our circles of influence. Thanks for listening and reflecting on this sampling of psalms. May we all use them as prayer starters, worship song initiators, and as ways to grow our life together!
Let us pray:
“Gracious God, help us always to see a brother or sister in our neighbor and to treat the same way we would like to be treated—with love and respect. Amen.”
Pastor Roger
Next Week: Taking a look at the "I Am" statements of Jesus.
