The last two weeks as I've studied through the Psalms, I was drawn to stop and focus on Psalm 133. It has taken me many places in the scripture as I've explored what this short but significant Psalm is declaring. It begins, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity." From there, David begins to elaborate on this wonderful corporate virtue by stating things that it is like. Space will not allow sufficient comment on these similes but it is clear that unity is very important to God and has powerful ramifications.
In John 17:20-23, Jesus makes a strong appeal to His Father, in behalf of His disciples and those who would believe in Jesus through them, for this imperative ingredient. It's a virtue that is near to the heart of God because of unity's convincing and compelling effects...important to the ongoing success of the Kingdom and the display of His Glory.
It is interesting that in Rick's message to the Church about the 7 deadly sins profiled in Proverbs 6, that the "Yea seventh" thing that God hates, and probably more than any of the others, is human activity that spreads strife and compromises the unity of brothers. It is logical that He might hate it the most because it is probably one of the dearest things to His Father-heart, the unity of His Kids.
Lets all continue to soberly look at these important things in God's word and purpose to please Him more in all that we are.
It was a great day Sunday at Fellowship. I love you guys!
Mitch
