PSALM 133 - UNITY WITH GOD'S PEOPLE

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 133

Worshipping God brings God's people into a unified fellowship -  both in the times of David, Jesus, the Early Church, and in our lives today. Having UNITY and HARMONY with each other, is as important as UNITY WITH CHRIST.

In our last lesson, Psalm 132, we looked ar how God came to dwell with us. This week, we look at  David's Psalm 133, and how we need to dwell with each other. David reminds us how "good and pleasant" is the unity and harmony we can have with God's people. It makes our lives so much more "enjoyable" and peaceful. 

As the people of Israel were united under David's reign, it is appropriate that, as his people journeyed to Jerusalem for their "Feasts of the Tabernacle", he would write this Psalm of unity. They were not only climbing up the hill to Jerusalem (Mt Zion), but it was a "spiritual climb", as they were to come closer to God to worship Him. 

Later in this Psalm we have "pictures in words" that show how UNITY is a "rich and abundant BLESSING". When we come together in UNITY as did God's people, we, as His children also experience His "goodness" and His "blessing."

"Unity among God's people makes life thriving and healthy." David Guzik

"The Jewish people sang Psalm 133 to express their joy in coming together to worship at the Temple, where God promised to meet them. The Psalm imparts blessing and life to God's people. And it proclaims oneness in faith." Nancy Koester

WHAT US UNITY AND HARMONY? - Read Psalm 133:1; Matthew 5

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people (brothers) live together in UNITY (HARMONY)." Psalm 133:1 (NIV/NLT)

"What a beautiful picture of  UNITY! That is the first thing we learn about living together in unity. It is both GOOD AND PLEASANT." Ray Fowler

The word translated "pleasant" means "beautiful, sweet and lovely". The Book of Acts describes the Early Church and how they were unified. 

"They devoted themselves to the Apostles' teaching and to FELLOWSHIP, to the breaking of bread and to prayer......All the believers were together  and had everything in common......They broke the bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added daily to their number those who were being saved"                                                                                                                     Acts 2:42,44, 46&47 (NIV)

HOW DO WE BECOME UNIFIED IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS?

* Let our conversations be in PEACE.

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God." Matthe 5:9 (NIV)

* Resist temptations to be ANGRY.

"But I say, "If you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgement." Matthew 5:22a (NLT)

* Be quick to FORGIVE.

"Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7 (NIV)

* Be a LISTENER.

"God blesses those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the humble (meek) for they shall inherit the whole earth." Matthew 5:4&5 (NLT)

* You may disagree - but PART AS FRIENDS. 

"Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so everyone will praise your Heavenly Father."                                                                                                                     Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

* PRAY TOGETHER

"You heard that it was said,  "Love your neighbiour and hate your enemies". But I say: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father." Matthew 5:43-45 (NLT)

Just like when a family go on a "roadtrip", brothers and sisters don't always get along. Sometimes they they don't always "agree with one another".  They might get angry and need to work on making peace with each other.  In the same way, children of God, need to work together to overcome their disagreements, and to love each other as "brothers and sisters in Christ."

"Keep loving other as brothers and sisters." Hebrews 13:1 (NLT)

HOW IS  UNITY PRESENTED? -   Read Psalm 133:2&3; 

Living together in UNITY is a gift of GOD'S GRACE. There are two "liquids" that David uses to describe the UNITY among God's people.

1. OIL - POURED AND DRIPPING DOWN -  Read Psalm 133:2;                  Exodus 30:22033; 40:1-16; Mark 14&16

"It is like PRECIOUS OIL on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robe." Psalm 133:2  (NIV)

"Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. Than dress Aaron in the sacred garments , anoint him and consecrate him, so he can serve me as a Priest. ......Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue through all generations."                                                                                                                 Exodus 40: 12,13 & 15       (NIV)

"All priests have the oil of Aaron on their head. The generous quantity of oils adds to the picture of the community gathering as a "sweet, pleasant" time together." James Linburg,                                                                                                                                                    cited by David Guzik

Oil was a "valued commodity" with the Israelite people. It was not only used in the Temple to anoint the priests, but also to put on their guests when they would come to their home to share a meal. They needed to be washed with these "perfumed oils" because in Israel's hot temperatures it was important to "cool down". 

Jesus Himself had this "sweet smelling fragrance" poured on him when visited by Mary Magdalene. 

Jesus Himself washed his disciples' feet at the Last Supper, and after His resurrection. For Christians today, Jesus' resurrection represents our UNITY in the Church and our future FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST IN HEAVEN. 

"When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James and Salome brought Spices so that they might go to annoint Jesus's body....."Don't be alarmed", he said, "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was crucified.  HE HAS RISEN! He is not here, See the place where they laid Him."Mark 16:1,6 (NIV)

Oil is also a "symbol of the Holy Spirit". In the Body of Christ - the Church, the "sacred and sweet smelling oil" comes over all God's people - His Children. 

"Christian fellowship is like the oil poured on the head, running over, onto the beard. It is precious and refreshing, it is a gift from God, and God is generous with His gift. He doesn't hold anything back." Ray Fowler 

2. DEW OF HERMON (MELTING SNOW) - Psalm 133:3a, Galatians 3:23-29

"Mt Hermon is far to the North of Jerusalem (Mt Zion). Mount Hermon rises above the Jordan Valley. It had its share of hearty rainfull and snow. The melting snow, or dew, flowed down into the Valley. In arid country the rain is scarce and the rivers dry up. It is the scarcity of water in these dry lands, which makes Mt Hermon's dew so precious." Nancy Koestet

The RICH DEW that covers MT HERMON, makes the land green and moinst. It refreshes the thirsty ground. In fact MT HERMON AND MT ZION are UNITED by their DEW. This image also reminds us of the CHURCH where we are all one. It is this UNITY "that crosses all human boundariues and divisions". 

In Christ we all have a special UNITY,  through Himself,  God and the Holy Spirit. 

"There us neither Jew nor Greek, slace nor free, male nor female, for YOU ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS." Galatians 3:28 (NIV)]

"Dew is REFRESHING  and Christian fellowship should also be  REFRESHING. We should leave the Church ENERGIZED, ENCOURAGED AND RENEWED - charged up, revved up and READY TO GO." Ray Fowler

CONCLUSION: THE BLESSING OF UNITY - Psalm 133:3b

"For the Lord bestows His blessing, even LIFE FOREVERMORE." Psalm 133:3b

We have talked about the GOODNESS and the SOURCE of living in UNITY. Finally, let's talk about the BLESSING that is "bestowed on us". The word "bestow" means to "command." You receive God's blessing you need to LIVE IN UNITY. 

God's blessings LAST FOREVER and it is a "foretaste of Heaven". We lift up our hands to PRAISE GOD when we are in Church often SEEKING HIS BLESSING. In the New Testament we read how Jesus sought  UNITY among his disciples and the believers in the Early Church.

"By this all men will know that you are my disiciples, if you have LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER."   John 13:35 (NLT) 

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who willingly believe in me, through their word; that all mat BE ONE, as You Father, are in Me and I in You; that these also may be ONE IN US, the world mayt believe that You sent me." John 17:20&21 (NKJV)

Later, in Acts we read how the Early Church UNITED IN FELLOWSHIP TOGETHER. ]

"So the continued daily with ONE ACCORD in the Temple, and BREAKING BREAD from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and HAVING FAVIOUR WITH ALL PEOPLE." Acts 2:46&47 (NIV)

"The point that stands in the fact that they were all in ONE ACCORD. They were UNITED and there was UNITY AMONG BELIEVERS, and God was BLESSING THEM. " George Clayson

Finally, Paul reminds us of the importance of having UNITY and HARMONY among one another. In the Early Church there was not always harmony among God's people and Paul reminded them thay they needed to "work hard" at this.  

"If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, LIVE PEACEFULLY WITH ALL MEN."                                                                                                    Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

"Always be humbe and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of Your love. Make every effort to KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT through the BOIND OF PEACE." Ephesians 4:2&3 (NLT)

"If you want to experience GOD'S BLESSING, them you need to LIVE IN UNITY. God gives HIS BLESSING when believers live together IN UNITY." Ray Fowler

"Dwell Together in Unity", 2019, Rebecca Mui (Performer), Scripture in Song

"Together", Chris Tomlin & Russell Dickerson (Composers and Performers), 2020, Chris Tomkin Channel (ITUNES)

"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica

"The Holy Bible - New King James Version, 1982, Thomas Nelson''

"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

Clayson, George, "The Blessing if Unity" ,2023, LogosSermons.com

Guzik, David, "Psalm 133 - The Blessed Unity of God's People - The Enduring Word, Bible Commentarty", 2020, ewm@enduruingword.com

Fowler, Ray, "Psalm 133 - Living Together in Unity - The Psalms of Ascent - Stepping Stone", 2023, rayfowler,org

Koester, Nancy, "Commentary on Psalm 133", 2009, WorkingPreacher.com

 

Lucado, Max, " NCC - The Devotional Bible - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus", 2003, Thomas Nelson

PSALM 132 - A FAITHFUL GOD WHO KEEPS HIS PROMISES

INTRODUCTION: Read Psalm 132

Psalm 132 is the first in the final three "Ascent Psalms", sung by God's people as they made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship in God's Temple. It is probably one of the longest of these Psalms, which were written by different authors. It speaks of God's promises to David and his people, and is also a celebration of the building of God's Temple in the time of King Solomon, David's som. 

These amazing promises of God's love, faithfulness and anointing are also true for us today, in ouu lives, sometimes full of with uncertaintly and trials. This Psalm has a lot to do with the "Ark of God's Covenant", a symbol of GOD'S PRESENCE, and focuses on three main promises:

1. GOD'S PRESENCE  with His people, the Israelites and we, as God's children today. David promised to build a PERMANENT PLACE for God's presence and to worship Him in this Temple.

"Let us go to the sanctuary of the Lord; let us worship at the footstool of His Throne. Arise, O Lord, and enter your resting place, along with the Ark, the symvol of your power." Psalm 132:8&9 (NLT)

2. GOD'S ABIDING PRESENCE with David as he rules as king over God's people, and his descendents.

"For the sake of your servant David, do not reject the kings you have anointed....The Lord swore an oath to David with a promise He will never take back: "I will place one of your descendents on the throne." Psalm 132:10&11 (NLT)

3. God promised to us the COMING MESSIAH, whom we know now to be God's Son, Jesus Christ, and David's descendent. 

"He will increase the power of David; my anointed one will be a light to my people. I will clothe His enemies with shame but He will be a glorious King." Psalm 132:17&18 (NLT)

"God is fully everywhere at all times. This is the assurance that we are never out of HIS PRESENCE. Not only is God everywhere, He is with us in every place we go. It's comforting to know that we can count on HIS PRESENCE at every moment of our life......Because God has proven Himself trustworthy IN THE PAST, we can trust Him FOR OUR FUTURE."

                                                                   Ruth Chou Simmons

DAVID'S PROMISES - Read Psalm 132:1-8; 2 Samuel 6&7

a)WHAT WERE DAVID'S HARDSHIPS?

"Lord, remember David in His afflictions." Psalm 132:1 (NKJV)

David experienced a lot of hardships, both before and during his reign as king. Here,  in Samuel 6 we read of the specific trials experienced bringing the "Ark of God" back to Jerusalem. 

"When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. 7The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God." 2 Samuel 6:6&7 (NIV)

"David was angry because the Lord's wrath was broken out against Uzzah, and this place was called Perez Uzzah. David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, "How can the Ark the Lord come over to me." 2 Samuel 6:&&9 (NIV)

We are reminded, like David, in our time of hardship:

*God will STRENGTHEN AND PROTECT us,

* God will ANSWER US IN OUR DISTRESS.

* God is our ROCK, REFUGE AND STROINGOLd.

* God us WITH US THROUGH EVERY VALLEY.

"But the Lord is faithful and will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." 

                                                               2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

"May the Lord answer you in your distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you." Psalm 20:1 (NIV)

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff will comfort me." Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

"There is no one holy like the Lord; and there is none besides you; there is no Rock like our God" 1 Samuel 2:2 (NIV)

b)WHAT WERE DAVID'S PROMISES?

At first, David had brought the Ark of God to Jerusalem and placed it in the Tent (Tabernacle) that he had prepared for it. Then he felt that the Tent was not enough. David "expressed dissatisfaction" that he was living in a palace of cedar, while the Ark of God's Presence was simple in a Tent. 

"After the king was setted in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am living in a house of cedar while the Ark of God remains in a tent. " Nathan replied to the king, "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you." 2 Samuel 7:1-3 (NIV)

"He made a solemn promise to the Lord. He vowed to the mighty one in Israel, "I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the Lord, a Sanctuay for thre Mighty One of Israel." Psalm 132:2-5 (NLT)

David worked really hard to plan God's Temple, He "didn't want to rest" until there was a Temple, not merela Tent - where God could "be honoured" and worshipped. David wanted the Ark to the be in the centre of the Temple. 

"David didn't have any alterior motives, no selfish desires to make a name for himself. He simply wanted God's name to be exalted." Charles Swindoll

GOD'S PROMISES - Read Psalm 130:10-12, 2 Chronicles 6

God had other plans. He wasn't against David's ideas - in fact He acknowledged David's hard work. But God wanted David's throne to continue through his son Solomon, and he would be the builder of the Temple. The verses in this Psalm would later be used in Solomon's Prayer of Dedication. 

"Let us go to the sanctuary of our Lord; let's worship at the footstool of His throne.....The Lord kept the promise he made. I have suceeded my father David and I now sit on the throne of Israel, just as the Lord promised and I have built and I have built the Temple for the Name of the Lord our God. There I have placed the Ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that He made with the people Israel." Psalm 132:7 (NLT)/2 Chronicles 6:10&11 (NIV)

"Lord, there is no God like you in Heaven or on earth - you who keeps keeps your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in Your way. You have kept your ptrmise to your servant David my Father, with your mouth you have promised and your hand have fulfilled it - as it is today." 2 Chronicles 6:14&15 (NIV)

Now the Israelites were ascending every year to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem and to experience their feasts and a time of worship. They followed the same path that the "Ark of God" had taken, and they were in the presence of their FAITHFUL GOD, who always KEEPS HIS PROMISES.

There are two PROMISES the Lord made to David and his son Solomon, which are our spiritual growth. 

1) The PROMISE OF THE MESSIAH. In these versess the Psalmist speaks not only of anointed kings at the time, but also the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. The word "anointed" also means "Messiah", David was promised that the Messianic line woulds continue, and he also promises promises that we too can have a relationship with Him. 

"For the sake of your servant king, do not reject the king you have anointed. The Lord swore an oath top David with a promise He will never take back: "I will place on of your descendents on your throne. If your descendents obey the terms of my covenant and the laws that I teach them, then your royal line will continue forever.". Psalm 132:10-12 (NLT)

2. The PROMISE OF DAVID's KINGDOM was to be with conditions. They needed to both continue to worship and OBEY THE LORD. This beautiful promise from God came with the fulfillment of Jesus Christ as our Messiah, Saviour and Friend. 

"Praise to the Lord who has given REST to His people Israel, just as He has promised. No one word has failed of all HIS WONDERFUL PROMISES. " 1 Kings 8:56 (NLT)

GOD'S PROMISES TO US - Psalm 132:13-18. Revelation 21

Finally we read how God promises to DWELL WITH HIS PEOPLE. He dwelt symbolically with His people in the the "Ark of the Tabernacle", and he dwells physically through His Son Jesus and spiritually through the Holy Spirit. He does not lot live in "houses buillt by men", but he lives beside us and within us everyday. 

"David found favour with God and asked for the priviledge of building a perrmanent Temple for the God of  Jacob. But it was Solomon who actually built it. However the Most High does not live in Temples made by human hands. As the prophet says: "Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. " Acts 7:46-49 (NLT)

"And she will have a son and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."      Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

"For the Lord has chosen Jerusalem; for He desired it as His home. "This is my resting place forever. I will live here for this is the home I desired." Psalm 132:13&14 (NLT)

We also have God's promise to bless us with His PROVISION AND SALVATION. We are "God's covenant people" and "righteous priests" who ever sing for joy. Now here is the climax of the whole Psalm. All these promises come together and are fulfilled in Heaven - His promise to dwell with His people forever. Our promises are fulfilled by Christ's reign in Heaven.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be be no more death or sorrow, crying or pain, All these things are gone forever.....He who is the faithful witness to all these things, say, "Yes, I AM COMING SOON" Amen! COME LORD JESUS! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people." Revelation 22:4, 20&21 (NLT)

"When Christ is my is my hope, He becomes the One through whom I hace confidence. I trust in HIS PROMISES and rely on HIS PRESENCE. I pursue all the good things He promised me, simply because I TRUST IN HIM." Paul David Tripp, cited by Ruth Chou Simmons

"The same God who was FAITHFUL to the people of the Scriptures, is the same God who IS FAITHFUL to us today. We can place our FULL TRUST IN HIM TODAY, and can have an incredible sense of security." Ruth Chou Simmons

CONCLUSION

Psalm 132 is a beautiful Psalm filled with promises stretching from the time of David, in the Old Testament, to Jesus Christ in the New Testamentm, from the Gospels through to Revelation.  It teaches us "one simple truth" which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As the Lord kept His promises to David and the Israelites, He always keeps them to us. 

Jesus, the Messiah, desdended from David and He will rule on Heaven's throne forever. Because of this, we can "meditate and rejoice" on God's promises forever. 

"No matter where we are, God and His Son Jesus are with us and will never leave us." 

                                                               Ruth Cho Simmons

Are you on a pilgrim journey like David and the Israelites? Hope in GOD'S PROMISES, for He is ever faithful. He is with us and will never fail us. 

                                            Cited by Ruth Chou Simmons. 

"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica

"The Holy Bible", New King James Version", 1982, Thomas Nelson

"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation," 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

"Abide with Me", (2015) Matt Redman (Performer)

"Great is Thy Faithfulness". 2017/1923. Thomas O Chisholm (Composer) , Maranatha Music

"Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus." (1882, 2009) Louisa M Stead & William J Kirkpatrick (Composers), Cassting Crowns (Performers) , You Tube. 

CHOU SIMMONS: Ruth, (2023) "Pilgrims - 25 Ways God's Character Leads us Onward.", Harvest House Publishers

FOWLER: Ray, (2023), "Psalm 132 - "Believing God's Promises" https//www/rayfowler.org

SWINDOLL: Charles R, (1997) "David - A Man of Passion", Thomas Nelson