Psalm 133 of David states
Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] For brethren to dwell together in unity! [It is] like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. [It is] like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing--Life forevermore.
Truely there is something about that true unity of brothers in the Lord that simply cannot be put into words. David discribes it a previous and annoited experience that refreshes; something that brings God's blessing in the form of everlasting life. And indeed, in Christ our relationships with each other is are going to span eternity.
While at times circumstance might force us to work alone (Hebrews 11 mentions a number), there is something is us cries out for fellowship and community with likeminded people. In 1 Kings 19:10 Elijah (a mighty prophet for God) bemoans his fate of being the only one left of the prophets who as not been killed or forsaken God. During an ensuing conversation with God, God tells Elijah that is not alone but there are still seven thousand prophets who have not bowed the knee to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). On hearing this Elijah leaves his cave and who does he find but Elisha who becomes his servant forge ahead together, doing God's will.
Western ways seem to celebrate self and the the idea of being self-made. Without realising it we live as island, robbing outselves of the onoiting oil and blessing. Yes we fellowship with others but that is one at certain, predefined times and for sort periods; and how deep is the felllowship really?
The Shema says "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD" (Deureronomy 6:4). You can't get more unified than the Trinty. Then Jesus prays that all believers might be one as he and God are one (Jihn 17:21). Paul sums it up succinctly in Philippians 2:2, "be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 — Talks about two being better than one, and how a cord of three strands is not easily broken
| Lirieke - Afrikaans | Lyrics - English |
Dis die Woord van ons Vader wat in ons harte lê Ons sal heers oor die skepping, dis wat God wil hê
Met oorleg en insig sal ons besluite neem
Ons eer die Naam saam met die manne wat glo
Wanneer struikelblokke voor ons lewe lê
Deur gehoorsaamheid van manne is daar hoop vir hierdie land Ons eer die Naam saam met die manne wat glo | It is the Word of our Father that lies in our hearts
With deliberation and insight we will make our decisions
We honour the Name together with the men who believe Through songs of praise with the men who believe
When obstacles lie ahead in our lives
Through the obedience of men there is hope for this land
We honour the Name together with the men who believe Through songs of praise with the men who believe |