Ps. 133 International Standard Version A Davidic Song of Ascents   The Significance of Unity 1Look how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2It is like precious oil on the head, descending to the beard— even to Aaron’s beard— and flowing down to the edge of his robes. 3It is like the dew of Hermon falling on Zion’s mountains. For there the LORD commanded his blessing— life everlasting.

I have always wondered about that phrase:

“…descending to the beard—

even to Aaron’s beard—

and flowing down to the edge of his robes”

Tonight I found this wonderful commentary. No words of mind could express my emotion as I reread this entry from:

The Treasury of David

"That ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard."

This is a chief point of comparison,

that as the oil did not remain confined to the place where it first fell,

but flowed down the High Priest's hair

And

bedewed his beard,

even so

brotherly love

descending from the head

distils and descends,

anointing as it runs,

and

perfuming all it lights upon.

"That went down to the skirts of his garments."

Once set in motion it would not cease from flowing.

It might seem as if it were better

not to smear

his garments with oil,

but

the sacred unguent could not be restrained,

it flowed over his holy robes;

even thus does brotherly love

not only

flow over the hearts upon which it was first poured out,

and

descend to those who are an inferior part of the mystical body of Christ,

but

it runs where it is not sought for,

asking neither

leave

nor

License

to make its way.

Christian affection

knows no limits

Of

parish,

nation,

sect

or

age.

Is the man a believer in Christ?

Then he is in the one body,

And

I must yield him

An abiding love.

Is he one of the

poorest,

one of the

least spiritual,

one of the

least lovable?

Then

he is as the skirts of the garment,

and

my heart's love

must fall

Even

upon him.

Brotherly love comes from the head,

but falls to the feet.

Its way is downward.

It

"ran down,"

and it

"went down":

love for the brethren condescends to men of low estate,

it is not puffed up,

but

is lowly and meek.

This is no small part of its excellence,

oil would not anoint

if

it did not flow down,

neither would brotherly love diffuse its blessing

if

it did not descend.

The Treasury of David; Charles Spurgeon Bible Commentary

I share this because I know it is Christ’s heart desire for us His followers to be in unity.

We know that to be true because he prayed to the Father for just that:

John 17:21 That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, …

By that same verse we see that it is possible.

To allow the work of the Holy Spirit

In us

To live in unity.

To change the face of our church by allowing Him to teach us to love

John 13:35
"A new commandment I give to you,

           that you love one another even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
      "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

"...even so

brotherly love

descending from the head

distils and descends,

anointing as it runs,

and

perfuming all it lights upon."

Charles Spurgeon Bible Commentary

     When I chanced upon the following comments about our injurious  preoccupation with our weight and personal appearance,  I thought it should be shared here as it relates to us accepting ourselves as Our Heavenly Father sees us.
     Renewing our relationship with God, and regenerating our walk with Him is, as you know, the theme and goal of  Pathways to Renewal .
     I wish as you look in the mirror this evening you will get a glimpse of the beauty He sees in you.


Now this article from a man I do not know...but I like what he says here............

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.”
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience  

   “Get Off The Scale!

You are beautiful. Your beauty, just like your capacity for life, happiness, and success, is immeasurable. Day after day, countless people across the globe get on a scale in search of validation of beauty and social acceptance.

Get off the scale! I have yet to see a scale that can tell you how enchanting your eyes are. I have yet to see a scale that can show you how wonderful your hair looks when the sun shines its glorious rays on it. I have yet to see a scale that can thank you for your compassion, sense of humor, and contagious smile. Get off the scale because I have yet to see one that can admire you for your perseverance when challenged in life.

It’s true, the scale can only give you a numerical reflection of your relationship with gravity. That’s it. It cannot measure beauty, talent, purpose, life force, possibility, strength, or love. Don’t give the scale more power than it has earned. Take note of the number, then get off the scale and live your life. You are beautiful!”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

 

How many people can share a walking stick? 

 

 Well, Little Percy and his Poppy did.  

 

I was wondering if this is the kind of walking we do when we walk with God. 

We, of course would need to be the smaller one of the pair, and in order to establish and maintain a comfortable gait, we would need to pay attention to Abba Father.

How much more significant now are the familiar words to me....

 

Ps 23"…3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."