Psalm 133 (v1)
Rev. Brian Jackson
Psalm 133 (v1)
Dr. Ayers has provided us with the lectionary’s New Revised Standard Version of Psalm 133. And this is a great thing. The word “kindred” is one of the better words to describe what the Hebrew renders as “awkh”. Used in its broadest sense, it encompasses the human condition.
It is, I suppose, a very good and pleasant thing when people live together in unity. I would imagine it depends on how one defines both kindred and unity. I have been in churches where everyone is unified in thinking and belief, and that is fine as far as it goes. But it usually has something to do with answers as opposed to questions. Should we all think alike? Must the congregation’s beliefs align to the point of theological impotence?
I was fortunate enough to be ordained at Wedgewood (Rev. Ayers’ church) where, I am happy to report, the kindred always have more questions than answers. The “unity amidst the diversity” is an apt description. The World Bible Translation Center’s Easy-to-Read Version may be onto something: “Oh, how wonderful, how pleasing it is when God’s people all come together as one!”
People can come together and still disagree. Can yours? The unity stems from a covenant of courageous questioning. Answers come when they should and never, ever, by force. Congregants that are not encouraged to think for self are cheated. How can pastors best facilitate forward movement? By encouraging the best thinking of the other.
How very good and pleasant indeed.
