Psalm 133 - Mountain Dew

Psalm 133:1-3 NIV

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,

 running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 

It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. 

For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

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If you're into soda pop, then you know the sugary zing of Mountain Dew. The name of the beverage isn't inspired by Psalm 133, but rather another beverage, moonshine whiskey. But when did we start thinking of illegally distilled corn whiskey as mountain dew? During prohibition moonshiners produced whiskey in the Appalachian mountains. So I get the connection. But what is mountain dew actually? I searched Google for an answer.

I couldn't find a direct answer, but it seems that the altitude, the abundance of foliage, and wind conditions affect the dew point of the air. Water is in the air and when conditions are right it condenses and forms as dew on surfaces on the ground. Dew fall isn't like rain, but dew is refreshing for plant life and even a life saver during times of drought. Jerusalem is sort of a high desert climate, so Mt. Zion is dry and dusty a lot of the time. Mt. Hermon, on the other hand, is usually covered in snow and lush with vegetation. The moist conditions in the summer time would make Hermon a nice place to cool down. So the metaphor for dew falling from Hermon means refreshment and joyful release. I suppose moonshine gives release and a moment of joy. Beware the morning after though!

Psalm 133 is liturgy celebrating the unity of worshipers at the temple in Jerusalem. That unity of faith leads to unity throughout the land. The unity of worshiping people is good and pleasing to the senses like dew fall on a hot summer night.

The unity of God's people is like anointing oil poured with a generous portion over the head of the high priest, consecrating him as the mediator of the covenant of the Lord for the people Israel. As priests, the sons of Aaron minister before the Lord serving Him on behalf of the people. A priest follows, with due reverence and strict obedience, all the religious ordinances prescribed in the law of Moses. The high priest had the sole privilege of offering sacrifice for the sins of the nation on the Day of Atonement. Only the high priest could walk behind the veil and enter the holy of holies where sat the ark of the covenant, and that he did only once a year. Could the reference to the consecration of Aaron be a reference to the Day of Atonement? How is that good and pleasing? How does atonement lead to unity?

To be one with God is without a doubt the greatest pleasure one can experience. To be in harmony with our creator leads to harmony in all our relationships. Atonement from sin restores our relationship with God, making unity possible. The experience of forgiveness and mercy showered upon the people during the Day of Atonement must have been a felt experience, as God manifested His holy and lifegiving presence among His newly restored worshipers. The presence of God is often peaceful and pleasing.

Imagine yourself among the worshipers on the one day of the year when thousands upon thousands gather at the temple to receive mercy and to have their sins blotted out. Such joy! Such meaningful community!

Whenever I celebrate the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) I sometimes am caught up with a feeling of wonder as face after face comes forward to receive the elements representing the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Anointed One. He is our high priest forever and through the atonement we receive through His blood, we are forever reconciled with God. We can enjoy unity with God all the time because Christ died an atoning death once for all. His is the ultimate and final sacrifice. In our unity with God we might also enjoy harmony in our relationships in the fellowship of the church. Our unity is never more clear than at the Lord's table. For we all are sinners in need of mercy and we all receive the abundance of God's mercy when we humbly remember the death of Jesus for our sakes. Such joy! Such heartfelt connection with God and one another.

Lord, save us from our sin. In Your mercy, bless the church with unity. Make us one with Christ and one with each other in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast together at His heavenly banquet. Amen