Psalm 133 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 133 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
Verse 2It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.
Verse 3It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore.
Devotion
I remember fondly the first time I saw beautiful Mt. Hermon, its December snow-topped peaks glistening in the radiant sunshine. In the still air I felt for a moment as if I were removed from time and space, a reunion of sorts with people of all times and all places. Then I learned from the tour leader that the snow runoff from these peaks feeds the headwaters of the Jordan River. Psalm 133 notes how the dew that falls on Mt. Hermon provides water to the parched lands below. God’s gift of water makes no distinction, it provides life for all. Along with the physical sustenance provided by the water running down from the mountain, the psalm tells us it symbolizes spiritual sustenance as well. The Jordan River is the place of Jesus’ baptism. From the heights of Mount Hermon to the plains below we have the promise of life with God forever.
Prayer
Sustaining God, we give thanks that you sustain our physical and spiritual lives. We give you thanks for the life with you forever, promised in the waters of our baptisms. Amen.