Dew On the Beard

Thursday August 22, 2013

How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!  For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe.  Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion.  And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.     Psalms 133:1 - 3 (NLT)

Messy!  Sticky!  Those were the first thoughts that came to mind with that picture.  Who wants to get dipped in Quaker State motor oil?  10W-30 all over your beard?  Ugh!

The image of Aaron’s anointing to be priest is that the oil ran down his head on all sides, spilling over his long beard and onto the robes he wore.  They used enough oil to saturate Aaron’s robe all the way to the fringes that touched the ground.  It was like dew in the morning – oil everywhere!  This anointing was ordination, setting apart Aaron to God’s service. 

But the Psalmist was comparing the “ordination oil” to something else which saturated Aaron and Moses’ relationship; this was two brothers pulling in one direction – this was the oil of harmony!  And it was precious!  It still is!

Aaron was Moses’ brother.  Moses was the leader; Aaron was the priest for the people.  The Psalm writer called their harmony “wonderful and pleasant”.  Indeed!  It would have had to be an incredibly special relationship, especially considering the very common sibling rivalry that occurs with brothers and sisters. 

Now, I’m certain they had their share of conflicts, but somehow they learned to move past pettiness and curtail the ego-driven agendas; their harmony was refreshing!

A Question

When is the last time you recall the conversation about your church, job place, home, family or friends, which could be described as “harmony”.  And not just harmony, but refreshing harmony – the beard dripping, robe saturating kind of harmony that can conquer any seeds of discord and strife?  

Another Question

Who’s responsible to get that started in your relationships?

Today

If you’re going to pray for harmony with that sibling, spouse, co-worker, or church board person, direct the prayer at YOU, not him or her.  Ask God to help you listen, really listen and try to understand that person….so you can act with the mind and heart of Christ.

As the oil/dew dripped off the saturated beard and robe of Aaron, may God’s grace change your relationships into harmony….not all the same note, but what beautiful music!