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
This psalm is awesome for several reasons. One; it is one of the shortest psalms and, because it is so short, a good one to try to memorize. Two; it talks about oil running down a beard. Three; it speaks of a deep joy that can be found in a communal life of generosity.
In this time after Easter, we focus on the lens of joy through which we can see all things because of the Risen Lord. Death looks different. Life looks different. People look different. It reminds us that God's love and grace is extravagant. It spares no expense. Like oil poured so plentifully that it would run down a beard, God's forgiveness and gift of life covers us all. Generously.
Living in this generosity, our communities of faith can become joyous—but not perfect—places. Work continues. Teaching is needed. Correction and forgiveness will abound. But all through the lens of an abundant life, freely given to us all.
Prayer
Dear God: Give us the eyes to see your abundant grace so that we may live just as abundantly together. Bless our families and our communities of faith to be generous and filled with joy. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.