In Psalm 133, we have a short song of ascents by David who extols the joys of harmony among God’s people. David writes, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity” (verse 1). Among all the world’s people groups who share fellowship in common, Christians ought to be the most exemplary and commendable. The ability to get along with others is one of the greatest contributors to peace at every level – whether between two individuals or many nations. Unfortunately however, we live in a time when many people find it difficult to get along because of self-centeredness, pride, and a lack of consideration for others. Jesus was not like that, and He calls us to set our pride aside, respect our differences, and find joy in serving each other. Scripture teaches us to place others above ourselves (cf., Romans 12:3; 12:10-16). Here, David says that “living together in unity is like oil running down on Aaron’s beard” or “like the dew of Mount Hermon” (verses 2-3). These similes represent the abundant blessings that God wants to pour out upon His people when they strive to practice Christ’s new commandment to love one another and to apply the “royal law” to honor others above self (cf., John 13:34-35; James 2:8).
Coming today to Ezekiel 47-48, we see that the prophet shares his vision of a river that flows eastward from the temple down to the Dead Sea. This river begins as a trickle and becomes increasingly wide, strong, and powerful – giving life to whole forests, making salty water sweet, and creating a rich haven for fish and fruit trees. Reminiscent of the Lord’s parable of the mustard seed (cf., Mark 4-32), this expanding river pictures Israel’s future re-creation and the effects of a Messiah-directed earth at the “culmination of all things” (cf., Romans 10:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; and 1 Peter 4:7). This chapter also includes a description of Israel’s future boundaries. In chapter 48, Ezekiel describes the future division of the land of Israel into its tribal inheritances, and he concludes with the most comforting words by which the city will be named: “THE LORD IS THERE.” What a glorious future God has planned for those of us who love Him – truly – a blessed hope!
In 1 Peter 4, the apostle tells us “to arm ourselves with the attitude of Christ” (verse 1). This means that we are to live our daily lives “for the will of God” (verse 2) – no longer to live the way that “pagans” live – “in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry” (verse 3). In verse 3, Peter’s reference to “time” indicates that “reckless, wild living” is a time-consuming waste of life. He points out that the world “thinks it is strange that we do not join in with them in their flood of dissipation” (verse 4). Christians should seriously take this verse to heart because “the end of all things is near” (verse 7). We should live in a way that is distinctively different from the world. Living in “dissipation” is a foolish investment in a world that is passing away (cf., 1 John 2:17). No financier would put his money into a ship that is sinking. Yet, sadly, millions of people today invest their most precious resource – time (the only resource that can never be regained or recovered) – in a fool’s paradise. God desires that we invest in the treasures of eternity (cf., Matthew 6:19-29).
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