It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron’s beard, that came down on the edge of his robes.
–Psalm 133:2
One of the most powerful moments I have experienced was being anointed for ministry.
In my junior year of college, I was hired as part of the Campus Ministries team. Before school began, we went on a retreat to bond as a team and to recharge spiritually. The last night, our leaders came around anointing each of us by rubbing oil in our palms as they spoke prayers of blessing into our lives and coming ministry.
The anointing was a precious symbol of unity in serving with God. Psalm 133:1 exclaims how good and precious it is for the church to live in unity. It is this unity to which this verse alludes, comparing the unity of God’s people to the preciousness of the oil used in a priest’s anointing.
The anointing oil itself had a pleasing aroma that was both rich and sweet. It was also poured to such an extent that it would flow down over the whole body.
This is the kind of experience the Psalm suggests comes from unity. When we as believers are in unity of heart, it is a pleasant experience that encompasses our whole being.
Like the pleasant aroma of the oil, we can be pleasing to God and each other when we act in love and support instead of strife and discontent.
Prayer
Heavenly Lord, Help me grow in unity with my fellow believers that we may experience the pleasant blessings of being Your people. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
When have I experienced the blessing of unity with fellow believers and how can I encourage this spirit of unity now?