Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
Notice the words "Good" and "pleasant" used to describe the unity among Christians. It's important to note that they don't need to live together in the same place (under the same roof or denomination) to achieve this unity; what's essential is living in harmony.
Talking about unity is one thing, but genuinely dwelling in unity is another. We must walk the talk. This highlights an important truth: our relationships with God's people directly influence the anointing.
The Blessing Described
2 It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body]. 3 It is like the dew of [lofty] Mount Hermon and the dew that comes on the hills of Zion (Psalm 133:2-3)
It is like the precious ointment poured on the head
In the ancient Middle East, anointing a guest's head with fragrant oil was more than just a greeting; it was a gesture of refreshment and honour (Luke 7:46). This aromatic ritual transformed the atmosphere, akin to the rejuvenating and harmonious aura created by unity among God's people. Such unity, much like the perfumed oils, adds a touch of beauty and tranquillity to every gathering.
44Then He (Jesus) turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. (Luke 7:44-46)
Although Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, he neglected to anoint Jesus's head with oil. He also failed to offer the customary courtesies usually given to guests, such as water for washing or a welcoming kiss. I believe this oversight was due to his misaligned heart towards Lord Jesus. When our hearts aren't right towards our fellow brothers or sisters, the anointing simply won't flow.
Ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body].
Observe that the oil didn't merely remain on the head; it flowed down onto the beard and right onto the garments, consecrating the entire body. The head symbolises Christ, the beard represents the face (i.e., leadership), and the garments signify the body.
A lack of healthy relationships with one another can hinder the anointing from flowing. Therefore, love and forgiveness are essential within a team, church, family, and marriage. We can't attribute all our problems to the devil. At times, we must accept our responsibilities.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
The word 'Hermon' translates to 'devoted' or 'sanctified'—meaning holy. Mount Hermon, located in Israel, boasts a 9,000-foot peak that's perpetually snow-capped and visible from great distances. Some Bible scholars believe that Hermon, rather than Mount Tabor, is the site of Christ's transfiguration, where He unveiled His glory to His disciples.
The Book of Enoch posits that Mount Hermon is where the fallen angels descended to Earth—a topic for another discussion.
During our visit to Israel, our guide shared an intriguing detail: the rich dew enveloping Mount Hermon renders it lush and moist, setting it starkly against the arid wilderness typical of other Israeli regions. This lush greenness of Mount Hermon serves as a metaphor, illustrating how unity among God's people fosters a thriving and healthy existence.
How Can this Unity Come?
Two mountains are compared here. Mount Hermon, which is majestic and high and the other mountain are the mountains of Zion which are lowly when compared to Mount Hermon. But the fact remains that the dew of Hermon descends upon the mountains of Zion.
#1:Humility is the key to unity.
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.” (Genesis 13:8-9)
#2:The Sacrifice of Self
Lord Jesus sacrificed Himself so that we and the Father could come together.
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. (Acts 4:32)
Often, we are adamant about having things our way. A husband might think, 'I've apologised the last three times; why should I again?' The wife may harbour similar sentiments. Such mindsets can drive a marriage to its breaking point, with both parties unwilling to put aside their pride. The core issue? A persistent focus on 'I', 'me', and 'my feelings'.
Perhaps you're holding onto a grudge or pain. By choosing to forgive, to release and let go, you pave the way for the anointing to flow freely, much like a river.
#3:We need to be a praying family; a praying church/ministry
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
Prayer can dismantle hidden barriers and combat demonic influences that obstruct unity. Through prayer, angelic forces are summoned to confront the spirits of rumours and deceit. I recall from my childhood a priest's wise words: “The family that prays together stays together.” The sentiment rings true!
Starting today, prioritise family prayer time. It doesn't need to be lengthy. Participate in the Zoom intercessions or join the 12-Hour Chain prayer on Saturdays. As you engage, you'll sense the anointing of unity enveloping you, bringing a positive transformation to your relationships.
For there the Lord commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore. (Psalm 133:3)
Where did the Lord command the blessing? There - in the realm of unity, God has decreed a blessing.
Working solo has its merits, but when you collaborate as a team, you experience unprecedented favour and blessings that exceed your expectations.
A leader incapable of forming or collaborating with a team is, in my eyes, an absolute failure. No matter one's talent or capability, if they cannot work harmoniously within a team, they raise a red flag for me. Nowadays, even corporate entities prioritise team players and those who can lead groups. The days of the 'one-man show' are long gone.
• Teamwork enhances productivity and yields better results.
• It fosters mutual support and encouragement.
Are you part of a team? If not, I strongly encourage you to join a KSM J-12 group.
Chapters
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 30
- Chapter 31
- Chapter 32
- Chapter 33
- Chapter 34
- Chapter 35
- Chapter 36
- Chapter 37
- Chapter 38
- Chapter 39
- Chapter 40
- Chapter 41
- Chapter 42
- Chapter 43
- Chapter 44
- Chapter 45
- Chapter 46
- Chapter 47
- Chapter 48
- Chapter 49
- Chapter 50
- Chapter 51
- Chapter 53
- Chapter 54
- Chapter 55
- Chapter 56
- Chapter 57
- Chapter 58
- Chapter 59
- Chapter 60
- Chapter 61
- Chapter 69
- Chapter 70
- Chapter 71
- Chapter 72
- Chapter 76
- Chapter 77
- Chapter 79
- Chapter 80
- Chapter 81
- Chapter 82
- Chapter 83
- Chapter 85
- Chapter 86
- Chapter 87
- Chapter 88
- Chapter 89
- Chapter 90
- Chapter 105
- Chapter 127
- Chapter 128
- Chapter 130
- Chapter 131
- Chapter 132
- Chapter 133
- Chapter 138
- Chapter 139
- Chapter 140
- Chapter 142
- Chapter 144
- Chapter 145
- Chapter 148
- Chapter 149
- Chapter 150