Psalm 133
A song of ascents. Of David.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
- Psalm 133:1

Picture this: a pilgrim on his way to Jerusalem to worship God has visibly distanced himself from the rest of his fellow travelers. He walks faster than he should, red-in-the-face, sweat dripping off his nose, intent to keep his distance from his fellow travelers. His back hunches forward as he climbs the mountainous road. He carries an invisible load of anger, bitterness, hurt, history, and frustration. And it’s crushing him.

His fellow travelers see him go. Perhaps they whisper among themselves, wondering why he’s running ahead like this. One or two of them might hide their faces inside their cloaks to mask their tears. More than a few will set their faces grimly and wag their heads at the scene.

Though his fellow travelers can’t (or won’t) catch him, their words soar through the air. The song arcs across the distance between the two parties: “How good and pleasant it is…”. The weary walker recognizes the tune. He’s heard it all his life and sung it on every journey to Jerusalem.

What do you think that pilgrim will do? What do you want to see that pilgrim do?

Imagine the invisible burden rolling off of his shoulders. His back straightens and he stands tall. He slows his pace or stops walking entirely. He catches his breath and his face loses its flush. Perhaps he even joins in: “when God’s people live together in unity!”

The community catches up to him. Friends and family members wrap their arms around him. Apologies are made. The singing is interrupted by reconciliation, but this too is worship unto the God who desires brothers and sisters to live together in unity.

The beloved and reconciled community continues the journey, more whole and more holy for the interruption of reconciliation.

Where are you like the weary walker? Where are you like the singing community? Where in your life and community do you feel the need for the interruption of reconciliation?