Nel uncovered some more wonderful truth in understanding the Word by going to the underlying meaning of Hebrew words.
Hebrew letters are not just ordinary letters. Each letter is a symbol, full of many inner meanings, from literal straightforward meaning, to deeper spiritual meaning. Understanding the letters provides a wonderful insight into the deeper meanings of the Word.
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Background understanding
Let’s have a deep look at two key words in this verse, brethren (אָח – ‘ach) and unity (יַחַד – yachad). [read Hebrew right to left]
The word ‘ach has the meaning of:
Noun:
– brother of same parents
– half-brother (same father)
– relative, kinship, same tribe
– each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
The word yachad has the meaning of:
Noun: union, unitedness
Adverb: together, altogether, all together, alike
The Hebrew letters for the word ‘ach are Aleph אָ and Khet ח which have the root meanings of strong and wall. Thus the root image of brethren is a strong wall.
Yachad contains Khet ח and Dallet ד. Dallet has the root meaning of door. Thus the root image of unity is a wall with a door.
Insight
True brothers and sisters are a strong wall that is a place of strength, covering, protection, and provision. In the body of Christ we are to be that place of love, acceptance, and strength to each other. We know that the world will know we are His disciples by our love.
Jesus is our older brother who is the ultimate strong wall and fortress that we can run into. He is our first and best example of brotherhood and unity.
The greatest love we can have is to lay down our lives for each other as Jesus modelled to us. There is a cost that we are called to pay to love one another.
Understanding that unity is pictured as a wall with a door shows us that unity is about connection and relationship. Unity must become practical on the ground not just some theological concept. The outworking of unity will be laying down agendas, control, selfishness, and then to serve one another personally and corporately.
When another person or congregation has success or is stepping out in a faith initiative we come and support, celebrate, encourage, and sow into them. The time for jealousy, criticism, selfishness, and doubt is over.
On a personal level we need to ensure we have good relationship with other brothers and sisters in Christ as far as it is possible for us to do so. It is time to heal hurts, release, forgive, and above all love.
It is time to genuinely love one another, not just seek ministry. As Danny Silk once said: ‘If you minister to people they may be loved, if you love people they will be ministered to.’ #KYLO (Keep Your Love On)
On a corporate level the Church, made up of many congregations, needs to come together as brethren in unity and each local congregation needs to support other congregation in a local geography and beyond.
This unity is beyond just the occasional joint event, but leaders in regular fellowship and prayer, then local congregations relating and working together for gospel transformation of their geographic region.
Psalm 133:3b For there the LORD commanded the blessing – Life forevermore.
The end of Psalm 133 has a commanded blessing when brethren dwell together in unity which is ‘Life forevermore’. Unity is not an option, but is an eternal mandate. It comes from us being a strong wall to each other and being connected in both an agape (God like selfless) and phileo (brotherly) love for each other.
Prayer
Abba Father ! We pray as Jesus prayed…
John 17:20-23 I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
We ask that we all receive a deeper revelation and understanding of brethren dwelling together in unity.
We repent of selfishness, control, jealousy, denominations, agendas, and above all not loving one another.
We repent of not fully recognising Your body the Church.
We ask again for the gifts and blessings we need to serve one another in love.
We declare that we are one in Christ Jesus!
We bless the reader of this prayer in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen!