Monday, September 08, 2008

Psalms of Ascent Part 14

Psa 133:1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psa 133:2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Psa 133:3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

This psalm is a psalm of David which brings out the blessedness of unity. In order to better understand this Psalm, it would be good to look at the circumstances which preceded it. David had been a fugitive from King Saul, and had only a small band with him. However, God had promised David the kingship. When Saul died, David should have become king. Saul’s general, Abner, knew this, but instead set up Saul’s son Ishbosheth.

Saul represents a leader who had the anointing and lost it because of disobedience. Abner portrays an unsanctified leader that is very gifted and uses his gifts to promote a human rather than divine agenda. Ishbosheth is a bit of an enigma - a man who neither had any apparent charisma, or great military ability, nor did he have any promises from God. (He was only on the throne because of the intervention of Abner). He had absolutely nothing to offer God’s people; he was simply Saul’s heir. Yet, for the next seven years, the ten northern tribes followed Ishbosheth; Judah followed David (2 Samuel Chapters 2-4).

This certainly has some parallels to our time. In the past century there have been many big names, some of whom like Saul, have departed from the true anointing. Others are like Ishbosheth who claim the mantle of their father, but who lack the anointing and the call.

However, the story does not end here. For seven years it seemed as though there would always be division, but then God began to remove the obstacles. In 1 Chronicles 12, it gives a list of the armies of the various tribes that God stirred up to support David. In verse 38, it says, “All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.” In these men and in all of Israel there was only one desire - that David would be king.

In our time there have been many different leaders who have sought to have the hearts of God’s people, but the day is coming when there will be one King and one alone. Jesus will reign over His own people. In the book of Revelation, two churches are seen, the false church and the true. The false church has sold itself for worldly applause and wealth. The true church, however, is made up of those who are whole-hearted for the Lord.

Even as there was war for seven years between the various tribes, there has also been infighting among believers. However, when God moves, there will be a supernatural unity among those who belong to the true church. This may seem impossible now, but how likely did David’s coronation look just before it happened? God will remove Ishbosheths and Abners and raise up a group of men and women who will follow only Him. They will have one heart and one mind that Christ should reign in His Church (Isa 52:8).

It is at this time that the church will begin to experience the blessedness of Psalm 133. The anointing oil on Aaron shall run down from the head (Christ) to cover even the toes. Every member of Christ ‘s body will have the soothing anointing which will ease tension and friction and help us all to exalt Christ. May God hasten that day!

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