June 15

Unity Brings Blessing

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 133:1-3;  1 Kings 14:1-15:24;  Acts 10:1-23a; Proverbs 17:7-8

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 133

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!  It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. (Psalm 133:1-3 NIV).  

It is the heart of the Father for his people: Unity. It was expressed powerfully through Jesus’ prayer that his people may be one. Jesus passion for it was seen in his zeal for the temple to be a place of prayer for all people. The church is a diverse group with people from every language, nation, and people group. Yet God’s desire is that we would live together in the unity of his love.

Jesus prayer will find ultimate fulfillment in the consummation of the ages when in heaven we gather around the throne to worship. “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9).  Yet every time God’s diverse people gather in unity, Jesus’ prayer finds fuller expression. God’s heart to show the world his love, is extended further.

There is a blessing in unity, when we lay aside our differences and come together around the one we worship—the source of all true unity. God pours out the anointing oil. The power and presence of his precious Holy Spirit dwells in a fresh way. The refreshing dew of his presence brings blessing and life forevermore.

Do you long for more of the blessing of God? Do you long for more of his presence and power? It flows when his people come together in unity, laying aside their personal prejudices and agendas to love each other deeply from the heart. That expression of love then overflows to a world that stands in need of the Father’s heart.

Lord, thank you for the diversity of the body of Christ. Help us to accept each other, love one another, and learn from one another. Pour out your anointing oil upon us as we gather in unity to worship and pray. Amen.