psalms of ascent: Psalm 133

Psalms 120 – 135 are a series of 15 Psalms sung by pilgrims either on their way to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the festivals or at the festivals themselves.

Together they are called the "Psalms of Ascent". 

Over the next several days, I want to explore some of the ways these ancient Psalms sung by pilgrims many years ago relate to us today. 

These Psalms speak of hope, passion, future dreams, desire and trust while on a journey that reminds them, and us, of past memories, present sufferings and future promises. 

The Psalms of Ascent point us to the hope that is present in the midst of whatever journey you are on.

Psalm 133 NLT

How wonderful and pleasant it is
    when brothers live together in harmony!
2 2  For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
    that was poured over Aaron’s head,
    that ran down his beard
    and onto the border of his robe.
3 3  Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
    that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing,
    even life everlasting.

Some commentators, say that this Psalm was written at the time when David was crowned king after so many years of turmoil and conflict. It was a cry for unity and peace.

If you read news stories, and we probably should read less than we do, we are bombarded with stories of conflict, war, unrest, contention, hostility and animosity. All of this seems to shape and be one of the main driving forces in our world. For many, the longing for unity and harmony, seems rooted in minimizing anyone who disagrees with them.

David, if he penned this Psalm after years of conflict, his desire for unity, peace and harmony manifested itself in this outpouring of his soul for a future that is characterised by all of God’s people living together in unity. 

Jesus when he entered Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday, wept over the city. I wonder, if one of the reasons the church doesn't live in unity is because we don't have a genuine sorrow in the depths of our hearts for the state of the city.

We focus more on personal comfort than we do for the heart of God. When we grasp that and weep over the city, then our cry for unity, harmony and peace to reign in people everywhere will be real. Our desire for peace instead of conflict, love instead of hate, tolerance instead of rejection, grace instead of unforgiveness and mercy instead of cruelty – then these values will will God's people and spill over into the nations.

Prayer
Lord, I pray today for your people to live in unity. Let there be peace instead of conflict, love instead of hate, tolerance instead of rejection, grace instead of unforgiveness and mercy instead of cruelty. Oh my God, may love prevail in all circumstances where conflict seeks to reign. Let me be someone who doesn’t just pray about peace and harmony, but actively seeks to live in unity and harmony with my neighbours. Amen.