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"Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!"
(Psalm 133)
These words are from one of the Psalms of Ascents. That means it refers to those times when the Israelites literally ascended Mount Zion. The people spoke or sang this psalm when they were gathering for worship. Indeed, how pleasant it is when those who gather are in unity.
The reality, however, is that too frequently when we gather at God’s house, we see someone who truly “bugs” us. Possibly it is something that lingers from a past offense. Maybe it’s from a recent experience that left us hurt in some way. Just their being there “pours salt in the wound.”
How different is the oil of God’s grace from the “bugs” and “salt!” Isn’t that the very reason we gather at God’s house? From Him we receive “the oil of anointing” that we so desperately need and can’t get anywhere else.
Phillip Keller’s words this week from "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" direct us to explore the phrase, “Thou anointest my head with oil.” He reminds us that when the sheep flock together on the high summer plateaus and feast in the full and rich pastures, the bugs come out! These bugs can drive a sheep crazy and make them irritable. The sheep find it difficult to rest or be refreshed.
At such times, it is the Shepherd who comes to the rescue. He literally anoints their heads with an oil mixture that soothes and keeps from landing on their heads those things that irritate. The Shepherd alone can bring peace that allows for joyous rest in His presence.
It is God the Holy Spirit who brings us this personal anointing that we need. He is able to keep from us the evil spirit of resentment, anger, strife, and jealousy. His anointing brings love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. (See Galatians 5:19-23.)
May His precious oil be poured over our heads! Daily may we sing this prayer:
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