Pastor's Note
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Blessings flow down...
How good and pleasant it is when brothers 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 upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133Most of us don't think of oil in our hair as "good and pleasant". But in ancient times, olive oil, mixed with the best spices, was used to refresh the body and heal wounds. It was also symbolic of the blessing of God and used to identify kings (1 Sam. 16:13) and consecrate priests (Ex. 29:7). Since it was expensive, it was usually used in small amounts - having it run down the beard, off the collar and on to the ground would be extravagant! The writer of this Psalm says that brothers (or sisters) dwelling in unity is like that. If you wonder if it's true, consider what it's like when unity is NOT present in a home, a marriage, a relationship between friends, or a church.
I'm grateful for the unity we enjoy at Valley church. As I was standing at the headwaters of the Jordan river, watching water literally pour out of a rock, I thought about this verse. Because of the abundance of water in this place, fig trees grew everywhere. It was an oasis in the middle of a very dry, sparse, and otherwise uninviting land. In the distance stood Mount Hermon, whose melting snow was providing the water that feed these springs, fill the sea of Galilee, and flow through the river Jordan. Just like the waters that run off of Mt. Hermon "bless" the land, so it is with people who love and care for each other, listen to each other, and look out for each other. The benefit flows over to all those around.
But better than oil running off the beard, or water running off Mt. Hermon, or even unity, is the true blessing - "...life forevermore". This week we'll look at what Paul calls "...the promise made by God to our fathers; the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain..." (Acts 26:6,7) We'll also see how Paul sought to share those blessings with all who would listen! Let me remind you about the celebration we'll be having for Cora Droege on Sunday at 3 PM in the Worship Center. She put her hope in God's promises and that hope is being rewarded right now!
Speaking of passing on blessings... We're very excited about the "Home for Easter" project that was presented last week. If you missed it and are wondering about "Valley's New Home", come and check things out at the table on the patio this Sunday.
Until all have heard,
Kurt
P.S. Start thinking now about who you can invite to the HUNT, Saturday April 3 from 1 to 4 PM. For more details go to http://www.valleychurch.org/ministry/showing/Hunt