Psalm 133 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 133 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
Verse 2It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.
Verse 3It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore.
Devotion
How true indeed it is that pleasantness abounds "when kindred live together in unity." Celebrations like baptisms and birthdays, anniversaries and accomplishments, sear images on our memories that can fill our hearts with joy.
One of the psalmist’s symbols of this "shalom" is the image of Aaron with oil dripping off his beard and running down his neck. One of mine is more contemporary (and a little less messy!): the 50th wedding anniversary of my parents. It was a gift to look back over our family’s life and recall both the struggles and the days of delight, and see the goodness that is continually called forth through the loving Word of God in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Gracious God, you have ordained life to be a blessing forevermore. We celebrate your promise to be the Source of your children’s goodness and grace. Call us to faith. Call us to joy. Call us to love. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.